Question

If point E(5, h) is on the line that contains A(0, 1) and B(−2, −1), what is the value of h?

Answer 1

First calculate the change in y over the change in x:

by - ay -1 - 1 -2
———— = ——— = —— = 1
bx - ax -2 - 0 -2


The slope is 1:

Second set up the equation in y = mx + b form (m is your slope!) ...

y = (1)x + b

... and plug in either point you have used (A or B)

A(0,1)

1 = (1)(0) + b
1 = b

Now you have your equation: y = 1x + 1

Your final step is to plug in point C to solve for your missing variable:

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

the value of H therefore is 6