How do I find the equation of a secant line using two given points?

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To find the equation of a secant line using two points P[0, f(0)] and Q[3, f(3)], the slope m can be calculated as m = (f(3) - f(0)) / (3 - 0). The equation of the secant line can then be expressed in point-slope form as y - f(0) = m(x - 0). This approach confirms that a secant line is indeed a straight line connecting the two points. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between the points and the slope in deriving the equation. Ultimately, the method outlined provides a clear path to finding the secant line's equation.
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Wow, someone asked me this question and I'm stumped.

Find the equation of the secant line that contain P[0,f(0)] and Q[3,f(3)]

Am I given enough information to solve this?

m=\frac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h}

...

m_1=\frac{f(h)-f(0)}{h}

m_2=\frac{f(3+h)-f(3)}{h}

That doesn't really help me though, unless I'm not thinking hard enough!
 
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Isn't a secant line just a straight line with those two points?

uhm...

m=\frac{f(3)-f(0)}{3-0}but the answer would be in terms of f(3) and f(0)
 
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rock.freak667 said:
Isn't a secant line just a straight line with those two points?
Yeah and I'm given 2 points and I need to find an equation that contains both. Hmm.
 
Oh I think I got it now, haha. My brain finally kicked in.
 
rocophysics said:
Oh I think I got it now, haha. My brain finally kicked in.

What was it? Finding the equation of a line given two points? Or was my brain malfunctioning as well?
 
rock.freak667 said:
What was it? Finding the equation of a line given two points? Or was my brain malfunctioning as well?
Yeah, seems like the only thing to do.

m=\frac{f(3)-f(0)}{3}

y-f(0)=\frac{f(3)-f(0)}{3}(x-0)

Not sure what else to think of.
 
I would hope that is all there is to it.
 
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