Math Problem Statement
If the points (-3, 5), (x, y) and (-2, 3) lie on a straight line, then what is the equation of the line?
Solution
To find the equation of the line that passes through the points , , and , follow these steps:
1. Calculate the slope between two points
First, calculate the slope () of the line using the points and . The formula for the slope between two points and is:
Substitute the coordinates and into the formula:
So, the slope is .
2. Use the slope-point form to find the equation of the line
Now that we have the slope , we can use the point-slope form of the equation of a line, which is:
Substitute the slope and the coordinates of one of the points, say , into the equation:
Simplify the equation:
3. Verify the equation with the second point
We found the equation . To verify, substitute the second point into this equation:
This result seems incorrect, meaning an error occurred. Let's re-evaluate the slope calculation and equation.
4. Re-calculate the correct slope and line equation
The previous steps revealed a possible miscalculation, so let's find the slope again between and :
Now, using point-slope form with this corrected slope:
Simplify the equation:
5. Verify with the second point
Substituting into :
This matches, confirming that the correct equation of the line is:
Would you like further details or have any other questions?
Here are 5 related questions to explore further:
- How do you determine if three points lie on the same straight line?
- What is the general form of the equation of a line?
- How do you find the equation of a line parallel to a given line through a specific point?
- What is the relationship between the slopes of perpendicular lines?
- How can you derive the equation of a line from its slope and a point?
Tip: Always double-check your slope calculations and use a consistent approach to verify the correctness of your linear equations.
Ask a new question for Free
By Image
Drop file here or Click Here to upload
Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Coordinate Geometry
Linear Equations
Formulas
Slope formula
Point-slope form of a line equation
Theorems
-
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 7-9
Related Recommendation
Find the Equation of a Line Passing Through Points (-4, 3) and (3, 5)
Equation of the Line Passing Through Points (-4, -2) and (-3, 5)
Find the Equation of a Line Through Points (-3, -4) and (3, 2)
Find the Equation of a Line Through Points (2, 7) and (0, -5)
Equation of Line Passing Through Given Points - Step-by-Step Solution