Math Problem Statement

Which of the following is the equation of a line that passes through (-2, -1) and (-4, -3)

Solution

To find the equation of a line passing through two given points, (2,1)(-2, -1) and (4,3)(-4, -3), we follow these steps:

Step 1: Calculate the slope (mm) of the line.

The formula for the slope 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}

For the points (2,1)(-2, -1) and (4,3)(-4, -3): m=3(1)4(2)=3+14+2=22=1m = \frac{-3 - (-1)}{-4 - (-2)} = \frac{-3 + 1}{-4 + 2} = \frac{-2}{-2} = 1

So, the slope m=1m = 1.

Step 2: Use the point-slope form of the equation of a line.

The point-slope form is: yy1=m(xx1)y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) Using the slope m=1m = 1 and one of the points, say (2,1)(-2, -1): y(1)=1(x(2))y - (-1) = 1(x - (-2)) Simplifying: y+1=1(x+2)y + 1 = 1(x + 2) y+1=x+2y + 1 = x + 2 y=x+1y = x + 1

Final Equation:

The equation of the line is: y=x+1y = x + 1

Would you like more details on this process or have any questions?


Here are five related questions you might find useful:

  1. How do you find the equation of a line given its slope and a point on the line?
  2. How do you convert a line equation from point-slope form to slope-intercept form?
  3. What are the properties of a line with a slope of 1?
  4. How do you calculate the distance between two points on a coordinate plane?
  5. How do you write the equation of a line parallel or perpendicular to a given line?

Tip: When calculating the slope, always check for signs carefully to avoid errors.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Coordinate Geometry
Equations of Lines

Formulas

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

Theorems

Slope-Intercept Form
Point-Slope Form

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10