Math Problem Statement

What is an equation of the line that passes through the points (2, -8) and (-2, 0)?

Solution

To find the equation of the line that passes through the points (2,8)(2, -8) and (2,0)(-2, 0), we follow these steps:

Step 1: Find the slope of the line

The slope mm of a line passing 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}

Substitute the points (2,8)(2, -8) and (2,0)(-2, 0):

m=0(8)22=0+84=84=2m = \frac{0 - (-8)}{-2 - 2} = \frac{0 + 8}{-4} = \frac{8}{-4} = -2

So, the slope of the line is m=2m = -2.

Step 2: Use point-slope form

The point-slope form of a line is:

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

We can use one of the points, say (2,8)(2, -8), and the slope m=2m = -2:

y(8)=2(x2)y - (-8) = -2(x - 2)

Simplify the equation:

y+8=2(x2)y + 8 = -2(x - 2) y+8=2x+4y + 8 = -2x + 4 y=2x+48y = -2x + 4 - 8 y=2x4y = -2x - 4

Final equation

The equation of the line is:

y=2x4y = -2x - 4

Let me know if you want further details or have any questions! Here are some related questions you can explore:

  1. What is the y-intercept of the line y=2x4y = -2x - 4?
  2. How do you convert the slope-intercept form to standard form?
  3. What is the distance between the two points (2,8)(2, -8) and (2,0)(-2, 0)?
  4. What is the equation of a line parallel to y=2x4y = -2x - 4 passing through (1,3)(1, 3)?
  5. What is the equation of a line perpendicular to y=2x4y = -2x - 4?

Tip: When finding the slope between two points, remember to subtract the coordinates in the correct order to avoid sign errors.

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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

None directly; basic algebraic principles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10