Question

Find the equation of the line that that contains the points (5, 8) and (8. 2). Write the equation in the form y = mx + b and identify m and b. m = _______ b = ________

Answer 1

Given the points:

(5, 8) and (8. 2);

The equation of the line y = mx + b, will be:

`m\text{ = }(y_2-y_1)/(x_2-x_1)\text{ }`

Then:

`m\text{ = }\frac{2\text{ - 8}}{8\text{ - 5}}\text{ = -2}`

Now, to find b:

2 = -2(8) + b

2 = -16 + b

b = 18

So, the equation of the line is:

y = -2x + 18