Let's assume this is a straight line, so we can use the basic form of a straight line equation: y=mx+b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept (the value of y when x is zero).

The slope is the rate of change of the line, and can be calculated by dividing the change in y by the change in x between any two points. Here: (0,4) and (1,2)

The change in y is known as the "Rise." Going from (0,4) to (1,2), we have a change of -2:

(2 - 4) = -2 This is the Rise (Final minus the initial values)

X changes by 1 (1-0) = 1 (Final minus the initial values)

Rise/Run = -2/1 or -2

The slope, m, is -2. Values of y decrease as x increases.

The equation becomes y = -2x+b

The value of b must be such it forces the line to go between the two points. We can calculate b by i=using one of the two points in out unfinished equation and solve for b. I'll pick (1,2).

y = -2x+b

2 = -2*(1) + b

b = 4

The equation becomes y=-2x+4

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3 years ago