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20 votes
20 votes
Given a point (5,-6) and slope m = -2

Write the Point-Slope Equation of the line.

Please give me a great explanation and explain like your talking to a baby please. Thanks :)

User Gary Johnson
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1 Answer

15 votes
15 votes

Answer:

y+6 =-2(x-5)

Explanation:

The question is asking for the equation of the line

The equation for point-slope form is always written as y-y₁=m(x-x₁)

y₁ and x₁ are the points given to you in this order (x₁, y₁)

so x₁=5 and y₁=-6

Now you plug in all the numbers you have into the point slope form

y- (-6)= -2(x-5)

When you subtract a negative (a double negative you get a positive)

y+6=-2(x-5)

Point-Slope form is usually the easiest form of a line to write since you do not need to solve for any intercepts or other points. You have y on one side of the equation, usually the left to make it easier to read, and x on the other, usually the right.You subtract the point that you are given from the y and the x. Multiply everything that is on the same side of the equation of the x by the slope (m).

Notes:

For y₁ and x₁, they could be any point on the line. For example, (1,2) is also on this line. So the equation would be

y-2=-2(x-1)

User Dien
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