write the point-slope form of the equation of the line described. Problem: through (4,2), parallel to y=-3/4x-5

Question

Help i really don't understand this and i have a test tonight :(

Answer 1

HI Brenda,

 

First of all parallel lines have the same slope.  So your new line will have a slope of -3/4

 

that is true becasue the equation you gave y = -3/4x - 5 is in the slope intercept form and in that form the coefficient of x is the slope of the line (-3/4)

 

now the point slope form is

 

(y - y₁) = m (x - x₁) where m equals slope and y₁ and x₁ are the x,y values of the point

 

so by substituting these we get

 

(y - 2) = -3/4 (x - 4)   and this is the point slope form of the equation.

 

Hope this helps