Find the equation of the line passing through the points -2, -17 and 5, 11. Enter your answer in "y = mx+b" form.
Please do not give the answer. I am just stuck on how to start. Thanks!
First: use the slope formula to find the slope of the line that passes through those two points
now, you know the value of m
Second: use the equation: y = mx + b
put into the equation the x-value and the y-value of one of the points
as well as value for m
solve this for b
Third: you now have m and b
put them into the equation: y = mx + b
you're done!
If you don't want the answer and just hints means that you really want to learn. :)
Great.
The standard form of a linear equation is y = ax + b, but the a and b don't really matter, just placeboes.
The b is the y- intercept. It is the value of the y -cordinate where the line touches it.
The a, or m in this case, is the slope. Remember, Rise over run. You make a triangle with your line, and calculate it's height/length.
Graph your equation.
Graph the 2 points, and connect it into a line.
Then you can make the triangle and figure out slope, as well as the y - intercept.
If you do not know how to do one of these, feel free to ask, same with if you don't understand anything.