Question

Write an equation that represents the line going through the points (-4, -5) and (4, 1)

Answer 1

First, we find the slope for the equation y = mx + b, where m is slope and b is the y-intercept.

(1 - (-5)) / (4 - (-4))

(1 + 5) / (4 + 4)

6 / 8

3 / 4

That means our slope, or m, is 3/4.

So, our current equation is y = 3/4 x + b

Then, we plug in a point - say, (4 , 1).

1 = 3/4 * 4 + b

1 = 3 + b

-2 = b

That means our equation is y = 3/4 x - 2