Recent content by hobbyist

there is no difference, except that for pseudorandomness one with generator knowledge can predict the next value, for "truly random" nobody knows the generator.

well, beginnings of physics started with Aristotle in Western culture, not sure though that this is a GOOD book for you.

how about googling in books for history of science?

Yes, this is a good question. But first to clarify that c is just a number, not a point. Therefore the more correct question, why we need 4 numbers (coordinates of 2 SPECIFIC points) and only 2 numbers (m and c). The answer is quite simple: with equation y=mx+c, you define a line running...

They are independent in a sense that one can draw different straight lines using different m and c. But if one has a fixed point (y1, x1) and c, then m is defined, same for (y1,x1) and m, then c defined. As in original question:

It is obvious that grzz meant a straight line, thus 2 points DEFINE a unique line. The statement about "the same line" although may be true but misleading and irrelevant in the context.

m and c are not independent. Consider equation y=mx+c for points (y1,x1) and (y2,x2). Solving it you will have: m=(y2-y1)/(x2-x1); c=(y1+y1)/(2m(x2+x1)). the similar thinking can lead you to understanding that to define a line you need just TWO points, and a number of coordinates for each point...