how do you write the equation of a line with a slope of - 1/2 and passing through the point (4,5)

Answer 1

y= mx + b is the standard equation in slope intercept form where m= slope and b = y intercept

y=(-1/2)x + b for slope = -1/2. to solve for b plug in the point (4,5) x=4, y=5

5= (-1/2)4 + b

b = 5+2 = 7

y= (-1/2)x + 7 is the line with slope -1/2 and goes through the point (4,5)

Answer 2

Using point-slope form of a linear equation is easiest: y - y₁ = m (x - x₁) , where (x₁ , y₁) is the given point.

y - 5 = - 1/2 (x - 4)

Elementary algebra may be used to rewrite the equation in slope-intercept form if required or desired.