an algebra question of points

Question

what is the equation of the line that passes through (6,0) (0,2) points?

Answer 1

Use the fact that the two given points are respectively x-intercept and y-intercept.

 

y = m x + p ;

 

0 = m 6 + p and,

 

2 = m 0 + p ; ====> p = 2 ;

 

m = -2/6 = -1/3

 

y = (-1/3) x + 2

Answer 2

Given points (x1,y1) and (x2,y2) First find the slope of the line.

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

 

m = (2-0)/(0-6) = 2/(-6) = -1/3

 

Then use the point slope form y-y1= m(x-x1) to find the equation

 

y- 0 = (-1/3)(x-6)

y= -1/3(x) -1/3(-6)

y = -1/3(x) + 2    or   y = -x/3 + 2