# Equation in slop intercept forum

• September 8th 2008, 11:33 AM
Sammyj
Equation in slop intercept forum
I have the answer, but I am stuck in the middle of the problem

Through (4,2) and (1,3)
m= 3 - 2 / 1 - 4 = - 1/3

y - 2 = (-1/3)x (x-4)

y - 2 = this is where I get stuck. I know the answer is y = (-1/3)x + 11/3
• September 8th 2008, 11:47 AM
Simplicity
Quote:

Originally Posted by Sammyj
I have the answer, but I am stuck in the middle of the problem

Through (4,2) and (1,3)
m= 3 - 2 / 1 - 4 = - 1/3

y - 2 = (-1/3)x (x-4)

y - 2 = this is where I get stuck. I know the answer is y = (-1/3)x + 11/3

The general form is:

$y - y_1= m(x-x_1)$

Substituting values:

$y-2 = -\frac13 ( x - 4)$

Opening the bracket:

$y-2 = -\frac13x + \frac43$

Adding $2$ to both sides:

$y = -\frac13 + \frac{10}{3}$
• September 8th 2008, 11:51 AM
Sammyj
Thanks
• September 8th 2008, 12:12 PM
Sammyj
How about through (1/2, 5/3) and (3, 1/16)

(1/16) - (5/3) / (3) - (1/2)

I understand how to do them until they are fractions. I know the answer is y = (2/3)x-2 but don't know how to work it out.
• September 8th 2008, 12:52 PM
Simplicity
Quote:

Originally Posted by Sammyj
How about through (1/2, 5/3) and (3, 1/16)

(1/16) - (5/3) / (3) - (1/2)

I understand how to do them until they are fractions. I know the answer is y = (2/3)x-2 but don't know how to work it out.

$\Delta y = \frac{1}{16} - \frac{5}{3} = -\frac{77}{48}$

$\Delta x = 3 - \frac12 = \frac52$

$m = \frac{\Delta y}{\Delta x} = \frac{-\frac{77}{48}}{\frac52}$

$m = -\frac{77}{48} \div {\frac52} = -\frac{77}{48} \times \frac{2}{5} = -\frac{77}{120}$

Your gradient is $m = -\frac{77}{120}$

Use your normal apprach to find the equation. Substitute appropriate number into the general form, $y - y_1 = m(x-x_1)$.

EDIT: Sammyj, is your question posted correctly? The gradient is different to the answer that you posted.