Math Problem Statement

What is an equation of the line that passes through the points left parenthesis, 6, comma, minus, 3, right parenthesis(6,−3) and left parenthesis, 3, comma, 1, right parenthesis(3,1)?

Solution

To find the equation of the line passing through the points (6,3)(6, -3) and (3,1)(3, 1), we follow these steps:


Step 1: Find the slope of the line

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

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

Substitute the given points (6,3)(6, -3) and (3,1)(3, 1):

m=1(3)36=1+33=43=43m = \frac{1 - (-3)}{3 - 6} = \frac{1 + 3}{-3} = \frac{4}{-3} = -\frac{4}{3}


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

The point-slope form is:

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

Choose one of the points, say (6,3)(6, -3), and substitute m=43m = -\frac{4}{3}, x1=6x_1 = 6, and y1=3y_1 = -3:

y(3)=43(x6)y - (-3) = -\frac{4}{3}(x - 6)

Simplify:

y+3=43(x6)y + 3 = -\frac{4}{3}(x - 6)


Step 3: Simplify to slope-intercept form (optional)

Distribute the slope:

y+3=43x+8y + 3 = -\frac{4}{3}x + 8

Subtract 3 from both sides:

y=43x+5y = -\frac{4}{3}x + 5


Final Answer

The equation of the line is:

y=43x+5y = -\frac{4}{3}x + 5


Do you want a detailed explanation of the steps or have any further questions?

Related Questions

  1. How do you find the slope of a vertical line?
  2. What are the differences between point-slope and slope-intercept forms?
  3. Can a line have a slope of zero? What does that mean?
  4. How can you check if a point lies on a given line?
  5. How do you derive the equation of a line in standard form?

Tip

Always double-check slope calculations by verifying the order of subtraction for the coordinates.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Algebra
Slope of a Line
Equation of a Line

Formulas

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

Theorems

Point-Slope Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10