Math Problem Statement

Write an equation of the line passing through the point (-3, 2) and parallel to the line defined by x + 3y = 6.

Solution

To solve this problem, let's go through the following steps:

Step 1: Identify the slope of the given line

The line equation given is: x+3y=6x + 3y = 6 To find the slope, we should convert it to slope-intercept form y=mx+by = mx + b, where mm is the slope.

  1. Rearrange for yy: 3y=x+63y = -x + 6
  2. Divide by 3: y=13x+2y = -\frac{1}{3}x + 2

The slope of this line is m=13m = -\frac{1}{3}.

Step 2: Find the equation of a line parallel to this one

Since parallel lines have the same slope, the line we are looking for will also have a slope of m=13m = -\frac{1}{3}.

Step 3: Use the point-slope form to find the equation of the new line

We are given a point (3,2)(-3, 2) through which the line passes. Using the point-slope form: yy1=m(xx1)y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) Substitute m=13m = -\frac{1}{3}, x1=3x_1 = -3, and y1=2y_1 = 2: y2=13(x+3)y - 2 = -\frac{1}{3}(x + 3) Simplify this equation:

  1. Distribute 13-\frac{1}{3}: y2=13x1y - 2 = -\frac{1}{3}x - 1
  2. Add 2 to both sides: y=13x+1y = -\frac{1}{3}x + 1

Step 4: Identify the correct answer

The equation we derived is: y=13x+1y = -\frac{1}{3}x + 1

Looking at the options, the correct answer is: y=13x+1\boxed{y = -\frac{1}{3}x + 1}

Would you like further details on this solution, or do you have any additional questions?

Here are five related questions to explore further:

  1. What is the formula for determining if two lines are parallel?
  2. How would you find the perpendicular line to x+3y=6x + 3y = 6 through a given point?
  3. How do you convert from point-slope form to slope-intercept form?
  4. What is the significance of the slope in different forms of line equations?
  5. How can you verify if two lines are identical or just parallel?

Tip: When dealing with line equations, always rearrange them into slope-intercept form (y=mx+by = mx + b) to easily identify the slope.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Equations
Parallel Lines

Formulas

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

Theorems

Parallel Lines Theorem: Parallel lines have equal slopes

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10