if m is the middle point of xy and m(-3,1) and y(-8,6) what is x
The coordinates of the midpoint \( M \) of the line segment connecting two points \( X(x_1, y_1) \) and \( Y(x_2, y_2) \) can be found using the midpoint formula:
\[
M = \left( \frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1 + y_2}{2} \right)
\]
In this case, we know:
- The midpoint \( M \) is given as \( (-3, 1) \).
- The coordinates of point \( Y \) are given as \( Y(-8, 6) \).
Let the coordinates of point \( X \) be \( X(x, y) \). According to the midpoint formula, we can set up the following equations:
\[
\frac{x + (-8)}{2} = -3
\]
\[
\frac{y + 6}{2} = 1
\]
Now, we will solve for \( x \) and \( y \).
Starting with the first equation:
\[
\frac{x - 8}{2} = -3
\]
Multiplying both sides by 2:
\[
x - 8 = -6
\]
Adding 8 to both sides:
\[
x = 2
\]
Now for the second equation:
\[
\frac{y + 6}{2} = 1
\]
Multiplying both sides by 2:
\[
y + 6 = 2
\]
Subtracting 6 from both sides:
\[
y = -4
\]
Thus, the coordinates of point \( X \) are \( (2, -4) \).
Therefore, the value of \( x \) is:
\[
\boxed{2}
\]