# Almost ashamed to ask this question.

1. May 27, 2007

When we want to find the equation of a line we can use:
$$Y-Y_1 = m(X-X_1)$$ or $$Y = mX + B$$

My question is aren't both equations essentially the same?

For equation 1. If I know two points that the line passes through just by plugging and chugging won't that lead to what the Y intercept is?

For example I have these two points that a line passes through: (2,12) & (6,0).
by looking at the graph I know that the line has a Y intercept, even though it is not drawn. When I use equation one my constant (B) the Y intercept is 0 even though it should not be. What the heck am I doing wrong?

2. May 27, 2007

### cristo

Staff Emeritus
Yes, they are the same equation. I'm not sure what you're doing wrong, but if we use your first equation, put one point in (say (6,0)), then y-0=m(x-6) => y=m(x-6). Then use the second point to find m; 12=m(2-6) => m=-3; thus y=-3(x-6)=-3x+18 is the equation for the line.

3. May 27, 2007

### dontdisturbmycircles

Yes they are the same, the second one is a special case where $$Y_{1}$$ is the y intercept (B) and thus $$X_{1}$$ is 0 so you get Y=mX+$$Y_{1}$$

edit: woops, hi cristo =-).

4. May 27, 2007

### cristo

Staff Emeritus