Math Problem Statement

A design engineer is mapping out a new neighborhood with parallel streets. If one street passes through (4, 7) and (3, 3), what is the equation for a parallel street that passes through (-2, 4)?

Solution

Let's break down the problem step by step to find the equation of the parallel street.

  1. Find the slope of the given street: The given street passes through the points (4,7)(4, 7) and (3,3)(3, 3). The slope mm of a line passing through two points (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2) is calculated using the slope formula: m=y2y1x2x1m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} Substituting the coordinates of the points: m=3734=41=4m = \frac{3 - 7}{3 - 4} = \frac{-4}{-1} = 4 So, the slope of the given street is 44.

  2. Equation of the parallel street: Since parallel lines have the same slope, the parallel street will also have a slope of 44. The equation of the line is in the form: y=mx+by = mx + b where m=4m = 4 and bb is the y-intercept, which we need to find.

  3. Find the y-intercept: The parallel street passes through the point (2,4)(-2, 4). Substitute (2,4)(-2, 4) and m=4m = 4 into the equation y=4x+by = 4x + b: 4=4(2)+b4 = 4(-2) + b Simplifying: 4=8+b4 = -8 + b Solving for bb: b=4+8=12b = 4 + 8 = 12

  4. Final equation: The equation of the parallel street is: y=4x+12y = 4x + 12

So, the correct answer is the first option: y=4x+12y = 4x + 12.

Do you want further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 questions to expand on this topic:

  1. How do you find the slope of a line given two points?
  2. What is the significance of the slope for parallel lines?
  3. How do you use a point to find the y-intercept of a line?
  4. Can two lines be parallel if their slopes are different?
  5. How do you graph a linear equation on a coordinate plane?

Tip: When determining whether lines are parallel, always compare their slopes. Parallel lines will always have equal slopes!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Equations
Parallel Lines

Formulas

Slope formula m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
Equation of a line y = mx + b

Theorems

Properties of Parallel Lines

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10