Find an equation for the line through the point P =(4,-3) with slope -2

Question

Can you please help me by showing the work also? I don't understand what is being asked. 

Answer 1

The equation of a line is y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept (the point where the line crosses the y-axis).  The problem gives you the slope, m = -2.  So the equation so far is:

 

y = -2x + b

 

To find b, plug in the x,y values of the given point, (4,-3), into y = -2x + b:

 

-3 = -2*4 + b

 

-3 = -8 + b

 

Solve for b, then plug the value you get into the equation y = -2x + b in place of the b and you're done.