# Find the equation

• April 17th 2009, 01:04 AM
Find the equation
...of a straight line that passes through the points (1,5) and (7, -1).

Here's my answer, is this correct? or is their an easier method?

Y1 - Y2 / X1 - X2
5 - (-1) / 1 - 7
6 / -6
Knowing the formula y=mx+b and m slope to be = -1 , we can plug back in:
5 = (-1) 1 + b
5 = -1 + b
5 - (-1) = b
6 = b
y = (-1)x + b
• April 17th 2009, 01:10 AM
craig
Nearly there, your value for m is correct, however you then need to find an actual value for b.

If we look at the first point, when x =5, y=1, putting this into our equation for the line we get the following:

$1 = -5 + b$

Solving this will give you the value for b
• April 17th 2009, 01:11 AM
craig
Just a quick note, it does not matter which coordinate you choose to use, (1,5) or (7, -1), they will both give you the same answer for b

Hope this helps

Craig
• April 17th 2009, 01:17 AM
b = 6

have i explained it clearly?
• April 17th 2009, 01:38 AM
y = (-1)x + 6

?
• April 17th 2009, 01:43 AM
craig
(Thinking) I am sorry you are quite right, did not see that last bit of your question.

Yes you are correct, and that is the best way in my opinion.
• April 17th 2009, 07:32 AM
Ok great,

so the original post all makes sense?
• April 17th 2009, 07:38 AM
craig
Yep all makes sense :)
• April 17th 2009, 07:41 AM
Quote:

...of a straight line that passes through the points (1,5) and (7, -1).

Here's my answer, is this correct? or is their an easier method?

Y1 - Y2 / X1 - X2
5 - (-1) / 1 - 7
6 / -6
=(-1)
Knowing the formula y=mx+b and m slope to be = -1 , we can plug back in:

y=(-1)x+b

knowing that (1,5) is a point on the line. we put this in the equation to determine "b"

5 = (-1) 1 + b
5 = -1 + b
5 - (-1) = b
6 = b

Hence the answer that we get is

y = -x + 6

Correct!!(Handshake)

Everything in your answer is correct. But as you can see by Craig's replies that your presentation needs improvement...I am sure you will try to explain it a bit better next time. A bit of addition in red
• April 17th 2009, 08:56 AM
"Hence the answer that we get is

y = -x + 6"

shouldnt it be this?

y = (-1)x + b
• April 17th 2009, 08:59 AM
craig
No.

(-1)x is the same as -x, mine and Ardash's version is easier to read and help avoid possible confusion.

Also you wanted the equation of the line, this is the equation in it's numerical form, not with a 'b' still in it.
• April 17th 2009, 09:03 AM
Quote:

"Hence the answer that we get is

y = -x + 6"

shouldnt it be this?

y = (-1)x + b

..... than tell me why have you found the value of b as 6 ?
(Wait)
The steps that you followed were

1-Assume the equation as

y= mx+b
where m and b are initially unknown constants

2-Find m

3-Find b

4-Put the values that you found for them

------

EDIT:
Craig: My name is Adarsh (Tongueout)