Question

Write the equation of the line that passes through the points (2,-3) and (-1,-4). Show work please.

Answer 1

Answer:

y=1/3x-3 2/3 (y equals one third times x minus three and two thirds)

Explanation:

Slope = rise (Δy) over run (Δx). Looking at the two points, (-1, -4) is furthest to the left. The x value increases by 3, and the y value increases by 1. That means slope = 1/3. Now, plug it into the slope equation y=mx+b, m being slope. We get y=1/3x+b. To find b (the y-intercept), plug in one of the points into the equation. So -4=1/3·(-1) +b. 1/3 times -1 is -1/3. Now we have -4=-1/3+b. -4-1/3= -11/3 (or negative 3 and 2/3). That means the y intercept is -3 2/3. Now we get the equation. y=1/3x-3 2/3