What is the equation of a straight line passing through two points?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the equation of a straight line that passes through two specified points, (1,4) and (5,1). The subject area is primarily algebra, focusing on linear equations and slope-intercept form.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the equation using the slope-intercept form and presents an equation. Some participants question the correctness of the derived equation and the assumption regarding the y-intercept.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the correct form of the equation and the implications of the y-intercept. There is a focus on verifying the slope and determining the y-intercept through substitution, indicating a productive exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of assumptions regarding the y-intercept, with some participants noting that the line does indeed intercept the y-axis, which is a point of contention in the discussion.

jahlin
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Homework Statement



whats the equation of a straight line passing through (1,4) and (5,1)?

Homework Equations


y=mx+c


The Attempt at a Solution



i found the equation to be y=-(3/4)x is it right?
Thanks
 
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No it's not right. How did you get y=(-3/4)x? The slope is right. The c part isn't.
 
well it doesn't intercept with the y-axis so i assumed it to be zero..
 
hi
actually the straight line intercepts with y-axis. you can substitute the x value and y value into the equation you found. Obviously they cannot fit.
so the gradient you get is -3/4, which is the correct one.
y = (-3/4)x + c;
one way to find c is by substituting (1, 4) into equation stated above.
then the correct equation of the straight line passing through two points can be found.

Cheers,
weesiang_loke
 

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