Question

Find the value of a if the line joining the points (3a,4) and (a,-3) has a gradient of 1

Answer 1

Recall that the slope or gradient of a line segment through two points is the ratio of the change in the y coordinate to the change in the x coordinate.

If the gradient is 1, then

1 = (-3 - 4) / (a - 3a)

Solve for a :

1 = -7 / (-2a)

1 = 7/(2a)

2a = 7

a = 7/2