Math Problem Statement

Write an equation for the line containing the points (2, −2) and (−2, 6). Find the x and y-intercepts of the line, if any.

Solution

We will first find the equation of the line passing through the points (2,2)(2, -2) and (2,6)(-2, 6).

Step 1: Find the slope mm

The slope mm of a line through two points (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2) is given by the formula:

m=y2y1x2x1m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}

Substituting the coordinates (2,2)(2, -2) and (2,6)(-2, 6):

m=6(2)22=6+24=84=2m = \frac{6 - (-2)}{-2 - 2} = \frac{6 + 2}{-4} = \frac{8}{-4} = -2

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

The point-slope form of a line is:

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

Substituting m=2m = -2 and one of the points, say (2,2)(2, -2):

y(2)=2(x2)y - (-2) = -2(x - 2)

Simplifying:

y+2=2(x2)y + 2 = -2(x - 2) y+2=2x+4y + 2 = -2x + 4 y=2x+2y = -2x + 2

Thus, the equation of the line is:

y=2x+2y = -2x + 2

Step 3: Find the x-intercept and y-intercept

  1. Y-intercept: The y-intercept is where the line crosses the y-axis, which occurs when x=0x = 0. Substituting x=0x = 0 into the equation:

y=2(0)+2=2y = -2(0) + 2 = 2

Thus, the y-intercept is (0,2)(0, 2).

  1. X-intercept: The x-intercept is where the line crosses the x-axis, which occurs when y=0y = 0. Setting y=0y = 0 in the equation:

0=2x+20 = -2x + 2

Solving for xx:

2x=2x=12x = 2 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x = 1

Thus, the x-intercept is (1,0)(1, 0).

Final Answer:

  • The equation of the line is: y=2x+2y = -2x + 2
  • The x-intercept is: (1,0)(1, 0)
  • The y-intercept is: (0,2)(0, 2)

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions for you to explore:

  1. How do you find the slope of a line if one point is at infinity?
  2. What is the general form of a linear equation, and how does it relate to slope-intercept form?
  3. How do you calculate the distance between two points on a line?
  4. What is the significance of the intercepts in graphing linear equations?
  5. Can a line have more than one x-intercept or y-intercept?

Tip: Always double-check your intercepts by substituting the values back into the original equation to verify they satisfy the equation!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Equations
Slope
Intercepts

Formulas

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

Theorems

Slope formula
Point-slope form
Slope-intercept form

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10