Math Problem Statement

Use the point-slope formula to write an equation of the line given the following information. The line passes through the points (5, 1) and (2, -2). Write the final answer in slope-intercept form.

Solution

The problem asks to find the equation of a line in slope-intercept form, given two points: (5,1)(5, 1) and (2,2)(2, -2).

Steps:

  1. Calculate the slope (m) using the formula: m=y2y1x2x1m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} Substituting the given points: m=2125=33=1m = \frac{-2 - 1}{2 - 5} = \frac{-3}{-3} = 1

  2. Use the point-slope formula to find the equation of the line. The point-slope formula is: yy1=m(xx1)y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) Using the point (5,1)(5, 1) and slope m=1m = 1: y1=1(x5)y - 1 = 1(x - 5) Simplifying: y1=x5y - 1 = x - 5 Add 1 to both sides: y=x4y = x - 4

Final answer:

The equation of the line in slope-intercept form is: y=x4y = x - 4

Would you like more details on any part of the solution or have any other questions?

Here are 5 related questions to consider:

  1. How would the equation change if one of the points was different?
  2. What is the geometric meaning of the slope?
  3. How can we find the x- and y-intercepts from this equation?
  4. What happens if the slope were negative?
  5. How can the distance between the two points be calculated?

Tip: The slope of a line describes how steep the line is. A positive slope means the line rises as it moves from left to right, while a negative slope means it falls.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Equations

Formulas

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

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9