Math Problem Statement

Write the equation of the line through the points (8, -7) and (-2, 8).

Solution

To determine the equation of the line passing through the points (8,7)(8, -7) and (2,8)(-2, 8), follow these steps:

Step 1: Find the slope (mm) using the formula

m=y2y1x2x1m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} Substitute the given points: m=8(7)28=8+710=1510=32m = \frac{8 - (-7)}{-2 - 8} = \frac{8 + 7}{-10} = \frac{15}{-10} = -\frac{3}{2}

Step 2: Use the point-slope form

The equation of a line is: yy1=m(xx1)y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) Pick one point, say (8,7)(8, -7), and substitute: y(7)=32(x8)y - (-7) = -\frac{3}{2}(x - 8) Simplify: y+7=32x+12y + 7 = -\frac{3}{2}x + 12 y=32x+127y = -\frac{3}{2}x + 12 - 7 y=32x+5y = -\frac{3}{2}x + 5

Step 3: Verify the equation

The line passes through (8,7)(8, -7) and (2,8)(-2, 8). Testing confirms this equation works.

Thus, the correct equation is: y=32x+5y = -\frac{3}{2}x + 5

Correct Option:

y=3/2x+5\boxed{y = -3/2x + 5}


Would you like further clarification or details? Here are 5 questions to expand on this:

  1. How do you verify a point lies on a given line equation?
  2. What are other forms of a linear equation, and how do they relate?
  3. Why is the slope constant between any two points on a line?
  4. Can we derive the line equation using both points simultaneously?
  5. How does the slope-intercept form help interpret a line's graph?

Tip: Always check your final equation by substituting the given points to confirm accuracy!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Equations
Slope
Point-Slope Form
Slope-Intercept Form

Formulas

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

Theorems

The slope is constant between any two points on a line

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10