Question

Calculate the equation of the line if two points are (1,6) and (5,0).

Explain

Answer 1

y = -3/2x + 15/2

Explanation:

In order to calculate the equation of a line, we need to make sure we know which is x, and which is y.

1, and 5 are x

6, and 0 are y

Now we need to find the difference in x's and y's therefore we subtract.

y = 6 - 0 = 6

x = 1 - 5 = -4

-6/4 reduces to -3/2

Now we have to apply the equation y= m x + b to this problem. M is the slope which is -3/2 and x & y are one of the ordered pairs. (Side note: the order pair you choose does not matter.)

y = m x + b

6 = -3/2 (1) + b

6 = -3/2 + b

+ 3/2 + 3/2

-------------------

15/2 = b

Final Answer:

y = -3/2x + 15/2

I hope this helps!

Answer 2

y = -3/2x+15/2

Explanation:

First calculate the slope

m = (y2-y1)/(x2-x1)

= (0-6)/(5-1)

= -6/4

= -3/2

The slope intercept form of a line is

y = mx+b where m is the slope and b is the y intercept

y = -3/2 x+b

Substitute a point into the equation

0 = -3/2(5)+b

0 = -15/2+b

15/2 = b

The equation is

y = -3/2x+15/2