Chapter 2: Problem 36
(a) Sketch the line with slope \(-2\) that passes through the point \((4,-1)\) . (b) Find an equation for this line.
Short Answer
Expert verified
Equation: \( y = -2x + 7 \)
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Slope-Intercept Form
The slope-intercept form of the equation of a line is given by \( y = mx + b \), where \( m \) is the slope and \( b \) is the y-intercept. Our objective is to find this form of the equation for the line with a slope of \(-2\) and passing through the point \((4, -1)\).
02
Plug in the Known Values
We have a slope \( m = -2 \) and a point \((x_1, y_1) = (4, -1)\) through which the line passes. Substitute these into the formula of a line to get \( -1 = -2(4) + b \).
03
Solve for b, the Y-Intercept
Calculate \(-2(4)\), which gives \(-8\). Then substitute back: \( -1 = -8 + b \). Solve for \( b \) by adding \( 8 \) to both sides to find \( b = 7 \).
04
Write the Equation of the Line
Now that we know \( b = 7 \), we can write the equation of the line as \( y = -2x + 7 \).
05
Sketch the Line
To sketch the line, plot the y-intercept \((0, 7)\) and use the slope of \(-2\) to find another point. Starting at \((0, 7)\), move down 2 units and right 1 unit to reach \((1, 5)\). Draw a line through these points extending in both directions, and check that it passes through \((4, -1)\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Slope-Intercept Form
The slope-intercept form is a cornerstone concept in understanding linear equations. It's given by the formula \( y = mx + b \). Let's break this down:
- \(y\) represents the dependent variable, often referring to the vertical axis.
- \(x\) is the independent variable, usually associated with the horizontal axis.
- \(m\) is the slope, which describes the steepness and direction of the line.
- \(b\) represents the y-intercept, which is where the line crosses the y-axis.
Finding Y-Intercept
Finding the y-intercept means identifying the point where the line crosses the y-axis, which is crucial in writing the full equation for a line. When a point is given, such as \(4,-1\), it helps us pinpoint that value:
- Starting with the slope-intercept form: \( y = mx + b \).
- Substitute the point (4, -1) into the equation: \( -1 = -2 \cdot 4 + b \).
- This simplifies to: \( -1 = -8 + b \).
- To solve for \(b\), add \(8\) to both sides: \( b = 7 \).
Graphing Lines
Graphing lines with precision involves using both the slope and y-intercept. Here's how it works:
- Begin by plotting the y-intercept on the graph. In our case, it's at \(0, 7\).
- The slope \(-2\) indicates the line goes down two units for every unit it goes right. From the y-intercept, move down 2 units and right 1 unit to locate a new point \(1, 5\).
- Each new point helps define the line. Continue plotting using the slope if needed to ensure accuracy.
- Once you have two or more points, draw a line through them, extending in both directions.