Chapter 2: Problem 80
Find a function whose graph is the given curve. The line segment joining the points (-3,-2) and (6,3)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function is \( f(x) = \frac{5}{9}x - \frac{1}{3} \).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Problem
We are asked to find an equation of a line that passes through the points
(-3, -2) and (6, 3).
02
Finding the Slope
The slope of a line that passes through two points \((x_1, y_1)\) and \((x_2, y_2)\) is given by the formula \[ m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \]. For our points, \((x_1, y_1) = (-3, -2)\) and \((x_2, y_2) = (6, 3)\). Plugging the values into the formula, \[ m = \frac{3 - (-2)}{6 - (-3)} = \frac{3 + 2}{6 + 3} = \frac{5}{9} \].
03
Using Point-Slope Form
Once we have the slope \(m\), we can use the point-slope form of a line's equation, \[ y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) \], which uses any point on the line \((x_1, y_1)\). Using the point \((-3, -2)\) and the slope \(\frac{5}{9}\), the equation becomes \[ y + 2 = \frac{5}{9}(x + 3) \].
04
Simplifying the Equation
We need to rearrange the equation \( y + 2 = \frac{5}{9}(x + 3) \) to the slope-intercept form, \( y = mx + b \). First, distribute the slope \( \frac{5}{9} \): \[ y + 2 = \frac{5}{9}x + \frac{5}{3} \]. Then, subtract 2 from both sides to solve for \(y\): \[ y = \frac{5}{9}x + \frac{5}{3} - 2 \]. Simplify further: \[ y = \frac{5}{9}x + \frac{5}{3} - \frac{6}{3} \]. \[ y = \frac{5}{9}x - \frac{1}{3} \].
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Slope-Intercept Form
Understanding the slope-intercept form is essential in algebra. This specific way of writing a line's equation, represented as \( y = mx + b \), is incredibly useful. In this form:
- \( m \) stands for the slope, which tells us how steep the line is.
- \( b \) represents the y-intercept, or where the line crosses the y-axis.
Point-Slope Form
Before reaching the slope-intercept form, we often use the point-slope form. This form is especially handy when you know a point on the line and the slope. The point-slope form equation is \( y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) \). It uses:
- \((x_1, y_1)\) which is a known point on the line.
- \(m\) which is the slope.
Calculating Slope
The slope of a line is crucial as it defines how the line angles on a graph. To find the slope when two points on a line are given, you use the formula \( m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \).
- \(x_1, y_1\) and \(x_2, y_2\) are the coordinates of the two points.
- The numerator \((y_2 - y_1)\) indicates the vertical change or rise.
- The denominator \((x_2 - x_1)\) represents the horizontal change or run.