Additional intercept form problems.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving problems related to the intercept form of a linear equation, specifically the equation $$\displaystyle \frac{x}{a} + \frac{y}{b} \:=\:1$$. Participants are working through two specific problems: finding the equation of a line given a point and a y-intercept, and finding the equation of a line given x and y intercepts.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Post 1 introduces two problems involving the intercept form and expresses uncertainty about the solutions.
  • Post 2 suggests starting with the slope-intercept form for part a) and provides a method to find the slope using the given point and y-intercept.
  • Post 3 indicates a calculation for the slope in part a) and proposes an equation for part b), but seeks confirmation on the correctness of the slope and the equation.
  • Post 4 confirms the slope found in part a) and questions the correctness of the equation proposed for part b), asking for further clarification on the work shown.
  • Post 5 expresses confusion regarding the "invert and multiply" rule and attempts to apply it to the second problem, leading to a different equation.
  • Post 6 clarifies the correct application of the "invert and multiply" rule and provides a revised equation for part b).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants are engaged in a collaborative problem-solving process, with some expressing uncertainty and seeking clarification on their calculations. There is no consensus on the final answers for both parts of the problems, as participants are still working through the details and corrections.

Contextual Notes

Some participants have not fully resolved their understanding of the "invert and multiply" rule, and there are differing interpretations of the equations derived from the problems. The discussion includes various approaches to solving the problems, with some steps remaining unclear or unverified.

jamescv31
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Hello, I'm here for another related intercept form problem of the formula: $$\displaystyle \frac{x}{a} + \frac{y}{b} \:=\:1$$

a) Find the equation of the line passing through (-5,-7) AND with y-intercept 3.

b) Find the equation of the line passing with x-intercept 1/3 and y-intercept 2/5.

I'm not sure how this solution will be, I need this as my reference pattern.

Thank you.

Note: In letter B I couldn't figured since its a fraction and the way of having an LCD might be unsure of the correct equation so really need an informative information.

Also in Letter A, we don't have an example related for that.
 
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For part a) I would begin with the slope-intercept form, using the given intercept of 3:

$$y=mx+3$$

Now, use the given point $(x,y)=(-5,-7)$ and you will then be able to solve for $m$:

$$-7=m(-5)+3$$

For part b) I would use the two-intercept form you cited, and recall the "invert and multiply" rule for division by fractions:

$$\frac{c}{d/e}=c\cdot\frac{e}{d}=\frac{ce}{d}$$

Can you proceed with a) and b) now? Please feel free to post your progress. :D
 
Here's my progress, in letter a)

is it an M as slope only? not the whole equation? because the answer of my M is 2.

Then on letter B my equation answers as $$6x+5y-30=0$$?
 
jamescv31 said:
Here's my progress, in letter a)

is it an M as slope only? not the whole equation? because the answer of my M is 2.

Then on letter B my equation answers as $$6x+5y-30=0$$?

Yes, $m=2$, and so your line is:

$$y=2x+3$$

For part b) that isn't quite correct. Can you show your work so we can see where you went wrong?
 
I'm not sure on how the "invert and multiply" works.

$$x/1/3 + y/2/5 = 1

x/5 + y/6 =1 [/math] I made like a cross multiplication it becomes

[Math] 6x + 5y = 30$$ then made an LCD to obtain the
 
You use cross multiplication when you have two fractions that are equal to one another. What you want to do here is:

$$\frac{x}{1/3}+\frac{y}{2/5}=1$$

Invert and mutliply:

$$x\frac{3}{1}+y\frac{5}{2}=1$$

Multiply through by 2:

$$6x+5y=2$$
 

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