SOLUTION: Can someone please show me how to work this problem?: "What is the equation of a line that passes through the points (0, 1) and (6, -2) ?" Thank you.

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: Can someone please show me how to work this problem?: "What is the equation of a line that passes through the points (0, 1) and (6, -2) ?" Thank you.      Log On


   

Question 989522: Can someone please show me how to work this problem?:
"What is the equation of a line that passes through the points (0, 1) and (6, -2) ?"
Thank you.
Answer by macston(5194) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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Point%5B1%5D=(x%5B1%5D,y%5B1%5D)=(0,1)
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Point%5B2%5D=(x%5B2%5D,y%5B2%5D)=(6,-2)
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First, find the slope:
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m=%28y%5B2%5D-y%5B1%5D%29%2F%28x%5B2%5D-x%5B1%5D%29
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m=%28-2-1%29%2F%286-0%29
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m-3%2F6
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m=-1%2F2
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Using slope-intercept form:
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y=mx+b Put in value for m, use point%5B1%5D to solve for b.
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1=(-1/2)0+b
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1=b
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Now we know m and b, we can complete the equation:
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y=(-1/2)x+1
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And check using point%5B2%5D:
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-2=(-1/2)6+1
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-2=-3+1
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-2=-2
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ANSWER: The equation for the line through (0,1) and (6,-2) is y=(-1/2)x+1.