SOLUTION: Find the equation of the line passing through the point (1,8) such that this line, together with the +x and +y axis, forms a triangle whose height is twice its base

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Lessons -> SOLUTION: Find the equation of the line passing through the point (1,8) such that this line, together with the +x and +y axis, forms a triangle whose height is twice its base      Log On


   

Question 767565: Find the equation of the line passing through the point (1,8) such that this line, together with the +x and +y axis, forms a triangle whose height is twice its base
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
We can assume points on the x and y axes to contain base and height.
y/x=2/1 because we want height to be two times base. We then have some unknown equation with obviously slope -2 to fit y=-2x%2Bb.

The line must contain point (1, 8), so we make 8=-2*1+b,
b=8+2
b=10.
Our line must be highlight%28y=-2x%2B10%29

This can be checked if desired. The x-intercept is at 0=-2*x+10, x=5.
Good, because height/base is 10/5=2 as we were specified to have.