SOLUTION: write an equation for the line containing the indicated points (-1/2,7) and(-4,1/2)

Algebra ->  College  -> Linear Algebra -> SOLUTION: write an equation for the line containing the indicated points (-1/2,7) and(-4,1/2)       Log On


   



Question 6913: write an equation for the line containing the indicated points
(-1/2,7) and(-4,1/2)

Answer by glabow(165) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The slope-intercept form of the equation of a line is
y+=+ax+%2B+b where a is the slope and b is the y-intercept.
You have two points on the line (-1/2, 7) and (-4, 1/2).
The slope is +%28y2+-+y1%29%2F%28x2-x1%29 so

From the slope-intercept form we can get
b=y-ax
Put either point's x and y in this equation, solving for b.
b=7-%2813%2F7%29%28-1%2F2%29+=+7+%2B+13%2F14 or

So a = 13/7 and b = 7 13/14.
The equation of the line is
y = 13/7 x + 7 13/14