Math Problem Statement

Find an equation for the line that passes through the points (-1, -6) and (3, 4).

Solution

To find the equation of a line that passes through the two points (1,6)(-1, -6) and (3,4)(3, 4), we can follow these steps:

Step 1: Find the slope of the line

The slope mm of a line through two points (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2) is given by:

m=y2y1x2x1m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}

Substituting the given points (1,6)(-1, -6) and (3,4)(3, 4):

m=4(6)3(1)=4+63+1=104=2.5m = \frac{4 - (-6)}{3 - (-1)} = \frac{4 + 6}{3 + 1} = \frac{10}{4} = 2.5

Step 2: Use the point-slope form of the equation of a line

The point-slope form is:

yy1=m(xx1)y - y_1 = m(x - x_1)

Substitute m=2.5m = 2.5 and one of the points, say (1,6)(-1, -6):

y(6)=2.5(x(1))y - (-6) = 2.5(x - (-1))

Simplifying:

y+6=2.5(x+1)y + 6 = 2.5(x + 1)

Step 3: Simplify to slope-intercept form

Now, expand and simplify the equation:

y+6=2.5x+2.5y + 6 = 2.5x + 2.5

y=2.5x+2.56y = 2.5x + 2.5 - 6

y=2.5x3.5y = 2.5x - 3.5

So, the equation of the line in slope-intercept form is:

y=2.5x3.5y = 2.5x - 3.5

Would you like more details or have any questions about this solution?


Here are 5 related questions you might find useful:

  1. How do you find the equation of a line given the slope and a point?
  2. Can you convert the equation into standard form?
  3. What is the significance of the slope in the context of a real-world scenario?
  4. How do you find the y-intercept of a line given two points?
  5. What happens if the two points are vertical? How would the equation of the line change?

Tip: Always start by calculating the slope when given two points on a line, as it helps to form the equation step by step!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Equations

Formulas

Slope formula m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
Point-slope form: y - y1 = m(x - x1)
Slope-intercept form: y = mx + b

Theorems

Linear equation theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10