Math Problem Statement

Can you come up with the equation for a line given only 2 points?

Solution

To find the equation of a line given two points (5,0)(-5, 0) and (5,4)(5, -4), we need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Calculate the slope mm of the line.

The slope formula is: m=y2y1x2x1m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} Substitute the points (5,0)(-5, 0) and (5,4)(5, -4): m=405(5)=45+5=410=25m = \frac{-4 - 0}{5 - (-5)} = \frac{-4}{5 + 5} = \frac{-4}{10} = -\frac{2}{5}

Step 2: Use the point-slope form to find the equation.

The point-slope form of a line is: yy1=m(xx1)y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) Using the point (5,0)(-5, 0) and the slope m=25m = -\frac{2}{5}, we get: y0=25(x(5))y - 0 = -\frac{2}{5}(x - (-5)) Simplifying this: y=25(x+5)y = -\frac{2}{5}(x + 5)

Step 3: Expand and simplify.

Expand the equation: y=25x25×5y = -\frac{2}{5}x - \frac{2}{5} \times 5 y=25x2y = -\frac{2}{5}x - 2

Thus, the equation of the line is: y=25x2y = -\frac{2}{5}x - 2

Would you like more details or have any questions?


Here are 5 related questions to practice:

  1. What is the slope of the line that passes through the points (2,3)(2, 3) and (6,1)(6, -1)?
  2. How do you convert a line equation from point-slope form to slope-intercept form?
  3. Can you write the equation of a line parallel to y=34x+2y = \frac{3}{4}x + 2?
  4. What is the equation of a line perpendicular to y=2x+1y = -2x + 1 that passes through the point (4,3)(4, -3)?
  5. How do you find the x- and y-intercepts of the line 2x3y=62x - 3y = 6?

Tip: When writing the equation of a line, always start by calculating the slope before moving to the equation forms.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Equations
Slope-Intercept Form
Point-Slope Form

Formulas

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

Theorems

Equation of a Line Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10