Identify the equation of a line that passes through (-6, 1), parallel to y = 2x - 6.

Answer 1

y-intercept form y = mx + b (m: slope ; b: y-intercept)

If the line is parallel then the slope (m = 2) will be the same y=2x+b

To find the y-intercept (b), plug in the coordinates given (-6, 1) and solve

1 = 2(-6) + b [multiply the parenthesis]

1 = -12 + b

1 + 12 = -12 (+12) + b [move integer to other side of equation]

13 = b [solve for y - intercept]

Plug in slope and y-intercept for complete equation y = 2x + 13

Answer 2

Goal of this question is to write the equation of a line.

What do we know?

We know it has to be parallel to the line given by the equation y = 2x - 6

We know it has to pass through the point (-6,1)

Questions we need to get answers to:

1) Typically we either need two points, or one point and the slope in order to write the equation (formula) for a line. Which of these will we be using here?

2) The word "parallel" seems important. What is "parallel" and what information from y = 2x - 6 will we need to use? Is there a number in that equation that will be helpful?

3) What does our mystery line look like? Can we graph the line y = 2x - 6, then locate the point (-6, 1)? And can we imagine what that parallel line would look like on the graph?

4) How do we write the equation of a line anyway? It describes a relationship between two variables, x and y. Can you imagine what it might look like?

5) What resources do I have to help me answer these questions?

Good luck to you! Use your tools, and explore the problem a bit.