Question

Write the equation of the line passing through the points (-4,5) and (4,1). Show all of your work.

Answer 1

First, find the slope using the equation, y2 - y1 / x2 - x1

1-5 / 4 - - 4 = -4/8 =  -1/2

plug this into slope intercept form

y = -1/2x + b

Next use one of the points to find b using point-slope form. I will use (4,1)

y - y1 = m ( x - x1)

y - 1 = -1/2 (x - 4)

y -1 = -1/2x + 2

+1                  +1

y = -1/2x + 3 is your equation