Math Problem Statement

A line passes through the points (2,9) and (4,1). What is its equation in point-slope form?

Solution

To find the equation of a line passing through the points (2,9)(2, 9) and (4,1)(4, 1) in point-slope form, we follow these steps:

  1. Find the slope (m) using the formula:

m=y2y1x2x1=1942=82=4m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} = \frac{1 - 9}{4 - 2} = \frac{-8}{2} = -4

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

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

You can use either point for (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1). Let's use the point (2,9)(2, 9):

y9=4(x2)y - 9 = -4(x - 2)

Thus, the equation of the line in point-slope form is:

y9=4(x2)y - 9 = -4(x - 2)

Would you like more details on the steps, or have any questions?


Here are five related questions to explore this concept further:

  1. How do you convert the point-slope form into slope-intercept form?
  2. What is the equation of the line if you use the point (4,1)(4, 1) in the point-slope formula?
  3. How do you find the x-intercept of the line?
  4. How do you find the y-intercept of the line using the given points?
  5. What happens to the equation if the slope was positive instead of negative?

Tip: The point-slope form is very useful when you already know a point on the line and the slope. It directly shows how the line changes relative to that point.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Equations
Slope of a Line

Formulas

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

Theorems

Point-slope form of a linear equation

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10