Math Problem Statement

Find an equation of the line having the given slope and containing the given point: Slope 1/2 through (-4, 2).

Solution

To find the equation of a line given the slope and a point, we can use the point-slope form of a linear equation:

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

Where:

  • mm is the slope,
  • (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) is the given point.

In this case, the slope m=12m = \frac{1}{2} and the point is (4,2)(-4, 2).

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Start with the point-slope form: yy1=m(xx1)y - y_1 = m(x - x_1)
  2. Substitute the given values: y2=12(x+4)y - 2 = \frac{1}{2}(x + 4)
  3. Distribute the slope: y2=12x+2y - 2 = \frac{1}{2}x + 2
  4. Add 2 to both sides to isolate yy: y=12x+4y = \frac{1}{2}x + 4

So, the equation of the line in slope-intercept form is: y=12x+4y = \frac{1}{2}x + 4

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How would the equation change if the slope were negative?
  2. How can you convert this equation to standard form?
  3. What is the interpretation of the y-intercept in this equation?
  4. How would the graph of this line look?
  5. How would you solve for the x-intercept of this line?

Tip: The slope-intercept form, y=mx+by = mx + b, is useful for quickly identifying both the slope mm and the y-intercept bb of a line.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Equations
Point-Slope Form
Slope-Intercept Form

Formulas

y - y1 = m(x - x1)
y = mx + b

Theorems

Point-Slope Form of a Line

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10