Math Problem Statement

The points (-5, -3) and (-7, 7) fall on a particular line. What is its equation in point-slope form?

Solution

Let's solve the problem step by step.

We are asked to find the equation of the line passing through the points (5,3)(-5, -3) and (7,7)(-7, 7) in point-slope form.

Step 1: Find the slope mm

The formula for the slope mm between two points (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2) is:

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

Using the points (5,3)(-5, -3) and (7,7)(-7, 7):

m=7(3)7(5)=7+37+5=102=5m = \frac{7 - (-3)}{-7 - (-5)} = \frac{7 + 3}{-7 + 5} = \frac{10}{-2} = -5

So, the slope m=5m = -5.

Step 2: Write the equation in point-slope form

The point-slope form of a line's equation is:

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

We can use either point, but let’s use the point (5,3)(-5, -3).

Substitute m=5m = -5, x1=5x_1 = -5, and y1=3y_1 = -3:

y(3)=5(x(5))y - (-3) = -5(x - (-5))

Simplifying:

y+3=5(x+5)y + 3 = -5(x + 5)

This is the equation of the line in point-slope form.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions to extend the discussion:

  1. How can we convert this equation into slope-intercept form?
  2. What is the general form of the equation of this line?
  3. What would the equation look like if we used the other point (7,7)(-7, 7)?
  4. How do you find the midpoint of the line segment between two points?
  5. How would the slope change if we swapped the points?

Tip: When simplifying slope formulas, be careful with signs, especially when both coordinates are negative.

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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)

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10