Question

Write the equation of the line given two points (5, 6) (4, 8). Write the answer in point-slope form.

Answer 1

see explanation

Explanation:

The equation of a line in point- slope form is

y - b = m(x - a)

where m is the slope and (a, b) a point on the line

To calculate m use the slope formula

m = ( y₂ - y₁ ) / ( x₂ - x₁ )

with (x₁, y₁ ) = (5, 6) and (x₂, y₂ ) = (4, 8)

m =
`(8-6)/(4-5)` =
`(2)/(-1)` = - 2

There are 2 possible equations, however both are equivalent

Using (a, b) = (5, 6), then

y - 6 = - 2(x - 5)

Using (a, b) = (4, 8), then

y - 8 = - 2(x - 4)