Which is an equation of the line that passes through (2, –5) and (6, 3)?

Answer 1

Hello, Jonathon,

The basic equation of a straight line written in standard form is y = mx + b, where m is the "slope" and b is the "y-intercept."

Slope, m, is defined as the rate of change of y as a function of x. When x increase by 1, how much does y increase. This is sometimes called the "Rise"/"Run." These two values can be found from the two points provides:

Rise = -5 -3 = -8

Run = 2 - 6 = -4

So the Rise/Run = -8/-4 = 2 [y will increase by 2 if x increases by 1].

This leads to y = 2x + b

To find b, enter one of the two points. Let's use (2, -5).

-5 = (2)*(2) + b

b = -9

The equation becomes y = 2x - 9

Bob

Answer 2

Use the 2 point form

(3+5)/(6-2) = (y+3)/(x-2)

Now "massage" this around into any form you want/need.