SOLUTION: Write an equation that represents the line that passes through the points (5, 4) and (-5, 0).

Algebra ->  Points-lines-and-rays -> SOLUTION: Write an equation that represents the line that passes through the points (5, 4) and (-5, 0).      Log On


   

Question 252908: Write an equation that represents the line that passes through the points (5, 4) and (-5, 0).
Answer by drk(1908) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Since we don't have the slope or the y-intercept, we must find them.
step 1: find the slope.
we have two coordinates: (5, 4) and (-5, 0).Use the slope formula:
m+=+%28Y2-Y1%29%2F%28X2-X1%29
m+=+%280-4%29%2F%28-5-5%29
*m = -4/-10 = 2/5.
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step 2: find the y-intercept, b.
Y+=+mx%2Bb
put in your slope information and pick a point. I will choose (-5,0).
0+=+-5%2A%282%2F5%29+%2B+b
** b = 2
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Put m and b back into y = mx + b to get
Y+=+%282%2F5%29X+%2B+2