Math Problem Statement

Write an equation that represents the line passing through points (-3, -4) and (3, 2).

Solution

The graph shows a straight line, and the task is to find the equation of the line.

Steps to find the equation of the line:

  1. Identify two points on the line:
    From the graph, two clear points where the line passes through are:

    • Point 1: (3,4)(-3, -4)
    • Point 2: (3,2)(3, 2)
  2. 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} Substituting the points (3,4)(-3, -4) and (3,2)(3, 2): m=2(4)3(3)=2+43+3=66=1m = \frac{2 - (-4)}{3 - (-3)} = \frac{2 + 4}{3 + 3} = \frac{6}{6} = 1

  3. Find the y-intercept bb:
    Using the slope-intercept form of a line, y=mx+by = mx + b, we substitute the slope m=1m = 1 and use one of the points, say (3,2)(3, 2), to solve for bb: 2=1(3)+b    2=3+b    b=23=12 = 1(3) + b \implies 2 = 3 + b \implies b = 2 - 3 = -1

  4. Write the equation:
    Now that we know the slope m=1m = 1 and the y-intercept b=1b = -1, the equation of the line is: y=x1y = x - 1

This is the equation that represents the line.

Would you like more details on any part of this solution, or have any questions?


Here are 5 questions related to this problem:

  1. How would the equation change if the slope were negative?
  2. What happens to the y-intercept if the line shifts vertically?
  3. How would you verify that the points (3,4)(-3, -4) and (3,2)(3, 2) lie on the equation y=x1y = x - 1?
  4. What is the general form of a linear equation, and how does it differ from the slope-intercept form?
  5. How do parallel lines relate in terms of their slopes?

Tip: When finding the slope, always subtract the y-coordinates first and then the x-coordinates, to avoid sign errors.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Equations
Slope-Intercept Form
Coordinate Geometry

Formulas

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

Theorems

Slope-Intercept Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10