Question

Write an equation of the line in point slope form that passes through (-16, 8) and (4,-2)

a.) y-8=-1/2(x+16)
b.) y-8=1/2(x-16)
c.) y+8=2(x+16)
d.) y+8=-(x-16)

Answer 1

When the reference point is used in the point-slope form of the equation, the equation should evaluate to ...

... 0 = 0

This is only true for point (-16, 8) using the equation of selection a).

Happily, we also find that point (4, -2) satisfies the equation.

... -2-8 = -1/2(4+16)

... -10 = -1/2(20) . . . . true

The appropriate choice is ...

... a.) y-8 = -1/2(x+16)