SOLUTION: Consider the linear equation ax + 3y = 5x -by + 8 Find a and b if the graph is vertical and passes through (4,0). Here's what I did: a(4) + 3(0) = 5(4) -b(0) + 8 4a =

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: Consider the linear equation ax + 3y = 5x -by + 8 Find a and b if the graph is vertical and passes through (4,0). Here's what I did: a(4) + 3(0) = 5(4) -b(0) + 8 4a =       Log On


   

Question 987170: Consider the linear equation
ax + 3y = 5x -by + 8
Find a and b if the graph is vertical and passes through (4,0).
Here's what I did:
a(4) + 3(0) = 5(4) -b(0) + 8
4a = 20 + 8
4a = 28
a = 7
For a I got 7 which the book also has 7 for a but I couldn't get the answer for b which is -3 according to the book. Please help me with problem b.
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If the graph is vertical then another point on the graph would be (4,1).
Plug that into the updated equation.
7%284%29%2B3%281%29=5%284%29-b%281%29%2B8
28%2B3=28-b
b=-3
it'll work with any point so (4,1) was just arbitrary.
It could have also been (4,1000).