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Write An equation in slope intercept form for the line passing through each pair of points (-1,3) and (2,-5)

User Jessu
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2 Answers

3 votes

Slope intercept form of a line is y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y coordinate of the y intercept.

The easiest way to solve this problem is by using another equation for a line, also known as point slope form. This equation is best to use for a line if you have a point and slope of the line, but do not have the y-intercept.

We need to find the slope of this line passing through the pair of points (-1, 3) and (2, -5). We can do this by using the slope formula:
(y_2-y_1)/(x_2-x_1). Substitute in the appropriate coordinates.


(-5-3)/(2-(-1)) =
(-8)/(3), so the slope of the line is -8/3.

Point slope form of a line is
y-y_1=m(x-x_1). Substitute -8/3 for m, and use the point coordinate (-1, 3) for y1 and x1. You could use either point coordinate but I chose to use this one.


y-3= -8/3[x-(-1)]

Distribute -8/3 inside the parentheses.


y-3= -8/3x - 8/3

Add 3 to both sides.

y = -8/3x + 1/3 is your answer (slope intercept form).

User Kachi
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1 vote

Slope m = y2-y1/x2-x1

Points (-1,3) and (2,-5)


M= -5-3/2-(-1)


M= -8/3


M= -8/3


Slope is -8/3


Now fill in the formula equation of a line using one if the points and slope to find b .


(2,-5) and slope -8/3


Y=mx+b


-5=-8/3(2)+b


-5=-16/3+b

-5+16/3=b

1/3=b


Now put all together


Y= -8/3x+1/3

User Dseuss
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4.9k points