Question

Describe and correct the error in writing an equation of the line shown

Answer 1

`y = -(3)/(5)x+4`

Explanation:

Given:

`(x_1,y_1) = (0,4)`

`(x_2,y_2) = (5,1)`

The attachment completes the question

From the attachment, the slope of the line was calculated as:

`m = (1-4)/(0-5)`

This step is inaccurate because the slope of a line is calculated using

`m = (y_2-y_1)/(x_2-x_1)`

Which gives

`m = (1-4)/(5-0)`

`m = (-3)/(5)`

`m = -(3)/(5)`

The line equation is then calculated using:

`y -y_1 = m(x - x_1)`

Substitute values for m, x1 and y1

`y - 4 = -(3)/(5)(x - 0)`

`y - 4 = -(3)/(5)(x)`

Open bracket

`y - 4 = -(3)/(5)x`

Make y the subject

`y = -(3)/(5)x+4`