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| Question 300376:  Find the equation of the line that contains the points (3,1) and (5,-3) in slope intercept form.
 Answer by Alan3354(69443)
      (Show Source): 
You can put this solution on YOUR website! Given 2 points example. Find the equation of the line thru the points (2,1) and (3,5)
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 This is a 2 step process.  First find the slope of the line thru the points.
 slope, m = diffy/diffx
 m = (5-1)/(3-2)
 m = 4
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 Now use y = mx + b with either point to find b, the y-intercept.
 y = mx + b
 5 = 4*3 + b
 b = -7
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 y = mx + b
 y = 4x - 7 is the answer.
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 Another approach using determinants:
 |x y 1|
 |2 1 1| = 0
 |3 5 1|
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 x(1-5) - y(2-3) + 1(10-3) = 0
 -4x + y + 7 = 0
 y = 4x - 7
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 For further assistance, or to check your work, email me via the thank you note
 or at Moral Loophole@aol.com
 
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