Math Problem Statement

Find the equation (in terms of x) of the line through the points (-4,-7) and (2,5).

Solution

The problem is asking for the equation of a line passing through two points: (-4, -7) and (2, 5). To find the equation of the line, we can use the slope-intercept form:

y=mx+by = mx + b

Where mm is the slope, and bb is the y-intercept. Here's how we can find the slope and the full equation:

Step 1: Find the slope mm

The formula for the slope mm between 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}

Using the points (4,7)(-4, -7) and (2,5)(2, 5):

m=5(7)2(4)=5+72+4=126=2m = \frac{5 - (-7)}{2 - (-4)} = \frac{5 + 7}{2 + 4} = \frac{12}{6} = 2

Step 2: Use the slope-point form to find the equation

Now that we know the slope is 2, we use the slope-point form:

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

We can use either point. Let's use the point (2,5)(2, 5):

y5=2(x2)y - 5 = 2(x - 2)

Simplifying this equation:

y5=2x4y - 5 = 2x - 4

y=2x4+5y = 2x - 4 + 5

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

Final Answer:

The equation of the line is:

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

Would you like more details on any of these steps, or have further questions?

Related Questions:

  1. How can you convert a line equation from point-slope form to slope-intercept form?
  2. What is the general form of a linear equation, and how does it differ from slope-intercept form?
  3. How do you find the equation of a line parallel to a given line?
  4. What is the importance of the y-intercept in a linear equation?
  5. How do you determine the slope of a vertical or horizontal line?

Tip:

Always double-check the slope calculation when given two points, as an error there will affect the entire equation!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Functions
Algebra

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 linear equation

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10