Write the equation of the line that passes through the points (-6,4) and (-3,-2).

Question

Write the equation of the line that passes through the points

Answer 1

First find slope using

m= (Y2-y1) / ( x2-x1). = (4+2)/(-3+6) = 2 = m

eq of line is

y= 2x + b

now to get b use x= -6 and y= 4

4= -12 + b

b= 16

equation of line is

y= 2x + 16

Answer 2

Hi Joshua P.,

It's simple to do.

Start with the general slope-intercept equation for a line in the x-y plane:

y = mx + b

Then you substitute the (x,y) values of those two points in, (one point at a time!); that gives you two equations in the two variables m and b:

4 = - 6 m + b

and

- 3 = - 2 m + b

you now have two independent equations in two variables. So go solve for m and b !

-- Cheers, --Mr. d.