Math Problem Statement
Write an equation for the line that passes through the points \left(1,\ -6\right)
and \left(-6,\ -6\right)
.
Solution
To find the equation of a line passing through two points, we use the slope-intercept form of a line:
Step 1: Find the slope ()
The slope of a line passing through two points and is given by:
Substitute the points and :
Thus, the slope of the line is .
Step 2: Write the equation
Since the slope is , the line is horizontal. A horizontal line has a constant -value equal to the -coordinate of any point on the line. Both points have . Therefore, the equation of the line is:
This is the final equation of the line.
Would you like a more detailed explanation or examples of horizontal lines? Here are some related questions:
- What is the slope of a vertical line passing through two points with the same -coordinate?
- Can a horizontal line have a different -coordinate for any two points on it?
- How would the equation change if the line were vertical instead of horizontal?
- What is the geometric interpretation of a slope of zero?
- How do we determine the -intercept for a horizontal line?
Tip: Horizontal lines always have equations of the form , where is a constant, while vertical lines have equations of the form .
Ask a new question for Free
By Image
Drop file here or Click Here to upload
Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Coordinate Geometry
Equations of Lines
Horizontal Lines
Formulas
Slope formula: \( m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \)
Equation of a line: \( y = mx + b \)
Theorems
Properties of horizontal lines: slope is zero, equation is \( y = c \)
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 7-9