Chapter 1: Problem 52
Finding Equations of Lines and Graphing (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
The equation of the line is \( y = -2x + 7 \).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Slope-Intercept Form
To find the equation of a line, we start by using the slope-intercept form of a line, which is given by \( y = mx + b \), where \( m \) is the slope and \( b \) is the y-intercept.
02
Using Given Slope and Point
We are given a slope \( m = -2 \) and a point \((x_1, y_1) = (4, -1)\). We can use the point to solve for \( b \) in the equation \( y = mx + b \).
03
Substitute to Find the Y-Intercept
Plug the point \((4, -1)\) and slope \(-2\) into the slope-intercept form: \( -1 = -2(4) + b \). Simplifying, we get \( -1 = -8 + b \).
04
Solve for the Y-Intercept
To solve for \( b \), add 8 to both sides: \( -1 + 8 = b \) gives us \( b = 7 \).
05
Write the Equation of the Line
Now that we have both the slope and the y-intercept, the equation of the line is \( y = -2x + 7 \).
06
Sketch the Line
To sketch the line, plot the y-intercept \( (0, 7) \) on the graph. From this point, use the slope \(-2\) (which corresponds to a rise of -2 and run of 1) to find another point on the line. This can be repeated to confirm the line's direction. Draw the line through these points.
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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 fundamental concept in linear equations. It expresses a line's equation as \( y = mx + b \), where:
- \( m \) represents the slope of the line, indicating the steepness and direction.
- \( b \) stands for the y-intercept, the point where the line crosses the y-axis.
Graphing Linear Equations
Graphing linear equations can be enjoyable and straightforward when using the slope-intercept form. Begin by identifying the y-intercept, which is given by \( b \) in the formula \( y = mx + b \). This point tells us where to start plotting on the y-axis.
With the y-intercept marked, use the slope \( m \) to determine the line's direction. For example, if \( m = -2 \), this means for every step right (positive x-direction), you move two steps down (negative y-direction).
With the y-intercept marked, use the slope \( m \) to determine the line's direction. For example, if \( m = -2 \), this means for every step right (positive x-direction), you move two steps down (negative y-direction).
- If \( m \) is positive, the line ascends; a negative \( m \) means it descends.
- A zero slope indicates a horizontal line, while an undefined slope reflects a vertical line.
Finding the Y-Intercept
Determining the y-intercept is a pivotal step in finding a line's equation. With a known point and slope, the formula \( y = mx + b \) makes this task easy. Given a point, such as \((4, -1)\), and a slope \( m = -2 \), insert these into the slope-intercept equation. Start by addressing the equation's left side with the y-coordinate from the point: \(-1 = -2(4) + b\).
By solving this equation step-by-step, first compute \(-2 \times 4 = -8\). Then, solve for \( b \) by adding 8 to both sides, giving you \( b = 7 \).
This calculation indicates that the line's y-intercept is at \( (0, 7) \), essential for both graphing and writing the complete equation of the line.
By solving this equation step-by-step, first compute \(-2 \times 4 = -8\). Then, solve for \( b \) by adding 8 to both sides, giving you \( b = 7 \).
This calculation indicates that the line's y-intercept is at \( (0, 7) \), essential for both graphing and writing the complete equation of the line.
Point-Slope Form
The point-slope form is another valuable equation form, particularly when you have a point on the line and its slope. This form is expressed as \( y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) \), where:
Expand and simplify to find a different representation of the line's equation. Transitioning to slope-intercept or standard form is a viable next step for further calculations or graphing tasks. This flexibility is part of what makes point-slope so useful in understanding linear relationships.
- \((x_1, y_1)\) represents the coordinates of a known point on the line.
- \( m \) denotes the slope of the line.
Expand and simplify to find a different representation of the line's equation. Transitioning to slope-intercept or standard form is a viable next step for further calculations or graphing tasks. This flexibility is part of what makes point-slope so useful in understanding linear relationships.