Right triangle \(ABC\) has \(\angle A=90^\circ\), \(AB=6\,\text{cm}\), and \(AC=8\,\text{cm}\). Let \(D\), \(E\), and \(F\) be the midpoints of \(\overline{BC}\), \(\overline{CA}\), and \(\overline{AB}\), respectively.
Describe how a geometry app can create the circle through \(D\), \(E\), and \(F\), and find its radius.

Hints
- Use the Triangle Midsegment Theorem to determine the side lengths and parallel directions in \(\triangle DEF\).
- Identify which angle of the midpoint triangle is a right angle.
- Recall where the circumcenter of a right triangle lies.
Solution
1. The app identifies \(D\), \(E\), and \(F\) as the three side midpoints.
2. The hypotenuse is \(BC=\sqrt{6^2+8^2}=10\,\text{cm}\).
3. By the Triangle Midsegment Theorem, \(DE=3\,\text{cm}\), \(DF=4\,\text{cm}\), and \(EF=5\,\text{cm}\). Also, \(DE\parallel AB\) and \(DF\parallel AC\), so \(\angle EDF=90^\circ\).
4. Thus, \(\triangle DEF\) is a right triangle with hypotenuse \(\overline{EF}\).
5. The app finds the midpoint \(N\) of \(\overline{EF}\). The midpoint of a right triangle's hypotenuse is equidistant from all three vertices, so \(ND=NE=NF\).
6. The app draws the circle centered at \(N\) with radius \(NE\). Its radius is \(\frac{EF}{2}=\frac{5}{2}=2.5\,\text{cm}\).
Answer
The app finds the midpoint \(N\) of \(\overline{EF}\), then draws the circle centered at \(N\) through \(E\). It also passes through \(D\) and \(F\), and its radius is \(2.5\,\text{cm}\).