Math Problem Statement

Find the equation of the line through the points (-5, 11) and (5, -7).

Solution

To find the equation of a line passing through two points (5,11)(-5, 11) and (5,7)(5, -7), we can follow these steps:

Step 1: Calculate the slope mm

The slope 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} Substitute the values of the points (5,11)(-5, 11) and (5,7)(5, -7): m=7115(5)=185+5=1810=95m = \frac{-7 - 11}{5 - (-5)} = \frac{-18}{5 + 5} = \frac{-18}{10} = -\frac{9}{5}

Step 2: Use the point-slope form

The equation of a line in point-slope form is: yy1=m(xx1)y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) We can use either of the points. Let's use (5,11)(-5, 11). Substituting the slope and the point: y11=95(x(5))y - 11 = -\frac{9}{5}(x - (-5)) Simplify: y11=95(x+5)y - 11 = -\frac{9}{5}(x + 5) Distribute the slope: y11=95x9y - 11 = -\frac{9}{5}x - 9 Add 11 to both sides: y=95x9+11y = -\frac{9}{5}x - 9 + 11 y=95x+2y = -\frac{9}{5}x + 2

Final Equation:

The equation of the line is: y=95x+2y = -\frac{9}{5}x + 2

Let me know if you want more details or have any questions!

Here are five related questions:

  1. How do you convert a line equation from point-slope form to slope-intercept form?
  2. What is the general form of a linear equation?
  3. How can you find the slope if the points involve fractions?
  4. How would the equation change if one of the points were on the y-axis?
  5. What is the significance of the slope being negative?

Tip: If the slope is negative, it means the line is decreasing (sloping downwards) as you move from left to right.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Equations

Formulas

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

Theorems

Linear Equation Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10