write an equation for the line passing through the points (-3,5) (6,-1)

Question

write an equation for the line passing through the points (-3,5) (6,-1). I come up with 10/0 undefined but wher to after that?

Answer 1

Try writing an equation of the form

 

y = mx + b

 

m = slope = (y₂ - y₁)/(x₂ - x₁) = (-1 - 5)/[6 - (-3)] = -6/9 = -2/3

 

So far we have

 

y = (-2/3)x + b

 

Use either point to find b.  Using (6,-1) you get

 

-1 = (-2/3)(6) + b

 

-1 = -4 + b

 

b = 3

 

Final equation:

 

y = (-2/3)x + 3

 

Go ahead and test to see that it passes through (-3,5) and (6,-1).