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Use y = mx + b to determine the equation of a line with a slope -5, passing through the point (-2,4).

1 Answer

6 votes

Answer:


y=-5x-6

Explanation:

Hi there!

In
y=mx+b, m is the slope of the line and b is the y-intercept (the value of y when x is 0). y and x remain the same but m and b are replaced with numbers.

Given that the slope is -5, plug it into
y=mx+b:


y=-5x+b

Now, to solve for b, plug in the given point (-2,4):


4=-5(-2)+b\\4=10+b

Subtract 10 from both sides to isolate b:


4-10=10+b-10\\-6=b

Therefore, the y-intercept of this line is -6. Plug this back into
y=-5x+b as b:


y=-5x-6

I hope this helps!

User Alienhard
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