Math Problem Statement

Find an equation for the line that passes through the points −1, 6 and −5, 3.

Solution

To find the equation of the line that passes through the points (1,6)(-1,6) and (5,3)(-5,3), follow these steps:

Step 1: Find the Slope

The slope mm of a line passing 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 (1,6)(-1,6) as (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and (5,3)(-5,3) as (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2):

m=365(1)m = \frac{3 - 6}{-5 - (-1)}

m=34=34m = \frac{-3}{-4} = \frac{3}{4}

Step 2: Use the Point-Slope Form

The equation of a line in point-slope form is:

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

Using m=34m = \frac{3}{4} and the point (1,6)(-1,6):

y6=34(x+1)y - 6 = \frac{3}{4}(x + 1)

Step 3: Convert to Slope-Intercept Form

Expanding:

y6=34x+34y - 6 = \frac{3}{4}x + \frac{3}{4}

Adding 6 to both sides:

y=34x+34+6y = \frac{3}{4}x + \frac{3}{4} + 6

y=34x+34+244y = \frac{3}{4}x + \frac{3}{4} + \frac{24}{4}

y=34x+274y = \frac{3}{4}x + \frac{27}{4}

Final Answer:

y=34x+274y = \frac{3}{4}x + \frac{27}{4}

Would you like me to verify or explain any step in more detail?


Related Questions:

  1. How do you convert from point-slope form to standard form?
  2. What is the perpendicular line to this equation passing through (0,0)(0,0)?
  3. How can you determine if another point lies on this line?
  4. How do you find the x- and y-intercepts of this equation?
  5. What are parallel lines, and how can you find one parallel to this equation?

Tip: When finding the slope, always check the signs carefully to avoid calculation errors!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Coordinate Geometry
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