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FINDING EQUATIONS OF LINES
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EXAMPLES:
Question: Find the equation of the line with slope 3
that passes through the point (-1,5) .
Write the equation in
y = mx + b form.
Solution:
y = 3x + b ; must find b .
Since (-1,5) is on the line,
5 = 3(-1) + b
5 = -3 + b
b = 8
Thus, y = 3x + 8 .
Question: Find the equation of the line through the points (2,-5)
and (-1,4) .
Write in y = mx + b form.
Solution:
slope = m = (4-(-5)) / (-1-2) = 9/(-3) = -3
y = -3x + b ; must find b .
Since (-1,4) is on the line,
4 = -3(-1) + b
4 = 3 + b
b = 1
Thus, y = -3x + 1 .
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