Math Problem Statement

Find the equation of a line that passes through (2,-3) and (-1,3).

Solution

To find the equation of a line that passes through two points, (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2), we can use the slope-intercept form of a line equation:

y=mx+by = mx + b

where mm is the slope and bb is the y-intercept.

Step 1: Find the slope mm

The slope mm is calculated as:

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

Substituting the points (2,3)(2, -3) and (1,3)(-1, 3):

m=3(3)12=3+33=63=2m = \frac{3 - (-3)}{-1 - 2} = \frac{3 + 3}{-3} = \frac{6}{-3} = -2

Step 2: Use point-slope form

Now that we have the slope m=2m = -2, we can use the point-slope form of a line equation to find the equation:

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

Using the point (2,3)(2, -3):

y(3)=2(x2)y - (-3) = -2(x - 2)

Simplify the equation:

y+3=2(x2)y + 3 = -2(x - 2)

y+3=2x+4y + 3 = -2x + 4

y=2x+43y = -2x + 4 - 3

y=2x+1y = -2x + 1

Final Equation of the Line:

y=2x+1y = -2x + 1

This is the equation of the line that passes through the points (2,3)(2, -3) and (1,3)(-1, 3).

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you convert the equation into standard form?
  2. What is the y-intercept of the line?
  3. Can you find the equation of a line parallel to this one?
  4. How would you determine if another point lies on this line?
  5. What is the equation of a line perpendicular to this one through point (2, -3)?

Tip: When finding the equation of a line, always double-check the slope calculation as it can drastically change the result.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Equations
Coordinate Geometry

Formulas

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

Theorems

Slope-intercept form of a line

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10