Write an equation in slope-intercept form that goes through the points (-6,-5) and (6,-3)

Answer 1

For reference the slope-intercept form is y = mx + b

First calculate the slope using the slope equation:

x₁ = -6, y₁ = -5, x₂ = 6, y₂ = -3 so:

m = (-3 - -5)/(6 - -6) = (-3 + 5)/(6 + 6) = 2/12 = 1/6

Now, use the point-slope form of a line:

y - y₁ = m(x - x₁) and plug in "m", "x₁" and "y₁":

y - -5 = (1/6)(x - -6)

y + 5 = (1/6)(x + 6)

y + 5 = (1/6)x + 1

y = (1/6)x - 4

Answer 2

y = mx + b

First step is to find the slope (m), given the two points. m = (y₂ - y₁)/(x₂ - x₁) or rise/run

-3-(-5)/6-(-6) = 2/12 = 1/6 = m

Then use one of the points for the x and y values to find b (y-int)

-3 = (1/6)6 + b → -3 - 1 = b; b = -4

y = (1/6)x - 4