A line passes through the points (2,a) and (4a,5) and has a slope of 1/2. Find the value of a

Answer 1

For this question, use the coordinates given (letter and all) and enter them into the Slope formula, then solve for a.

(y₂ - y₁ )/(x₂ - x₁)

(5 - a)/(4a - 2)

They tell us that the Slope is 1/2, so

(5 - a)/(4a - 2)= 1/2

Cross multiply

2(5 - a) = 1(4a - 2)

10 - 2a = 4a - 2

+ 2a. +2a

10 = 6a - 2

+2. +2

12 = 6a

÷6. ÷6

a = 2

Answer 2

Slope between two point is m = (y2-y1)/(x2-x1) so you have 1/2 = (5-a)/(4a-2).

Now, solve for a.