Find the equation of the two points

Question

(-5, 0) (0,-5)

 

Answer 1

The two points given are the intercepts: (-5, 0) (0,-5)

 

A line having x intercept a and y intercept b has the equation x/a + y/b = 1...intercepts form of the equation of a line.

 

So the equation is x/-5 + y/-5 = 1.

 

Multiplying by -5, we get x + y = -5.

 

In turn, this can be written as y = -x -5 (slope intercept form).

 

It's very likely that you teacher and/or book doesn't know or use the intercepts form of the equation; studying it would be a very productive exercise for everyone!

Answer 2

Linear equation is of the form:  y = mx + b

where m is slope and b is the y-intercept.

 

Find slope using the formula: m = (Y₂-Y₁) / (X₂-X₁)

 

m = (-5-0)/ (0-(-5)

 

m = -5/5

 

m = -1

 

Find the y-interept (b) by substituting x and y values of one of the coordinates given.

 

y = (-1)x + b

 

-5 = -1(0) + b

 

b = -5

 

So the equation is:

 

y = -x -5