Finding the Equation of a Line Given Two Points

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SUMMARY

The equation of a line passing through the points (6, -3) and having a y-intercept of 8 can be derived using the slope-intercept formula, y = mx + b. Here, b is confirmed as 8. The slope m is calculated using the formula m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1), leading to m = (8 - (-3)) / (0 - 6). After determining the slope, the values of m and b can be substituted back into the slope-intercept equation to finalize the line's equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the slope-intercept form of a line (y = mx + b)
  • Ability to calculate slope using two points (m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1))
  • Familiarity with coordinate geometry concepts
  • Basic algebra skills for isolating variables
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  • Practice calculating slopes between various points
  • Explore the point-slope form of a line and its applications
  • Learn about parallel and perpendicular lines in coordinate geometry
  • Investigate real-world applications of linear equations
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Students learning algebra, educators teaching coordinate geometry, and anyone interested in understanding linear equations and their applications.

mathdad
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Find an equation of the line that passes through (6, -3) and has y-intercept 8.

I know y = mx + b is the slope-intercept formula. In the formula, b represents the y-intercept. I also see that 8 is given to be b in this case.

The y-intercept can be written as (0, 8).

Do I now find the slope m?
Afterward, use one of the points and m to plug into the point-slope formula. Finally, I must isolate y.

Is this right?
 
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Like you, I would begin with the slope-intercept form of a line:

$$y=mx+b$$

We are given $b=8$, and we know two points on the line, so we can compute the slope $m$:

$$m=\frac{8-(-3)}{0-6}=$$?

Then, just plug in the values for $m$ and $b$. :)
 
MarkFL said:
Like you, I would begin with the slope-intercept form of a line:

$$y=mx+b$$

We are given $b=8$, and we know two points on the line, so we can compute the slope $m$:

$$m=\frac{8-(-3)}{0-6}=$$?

Then, just plug in the values for $m$ and $b$. :)

I can take it from here. Thanks.
 

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