Question

What is the equation of the line the passes through the points (6, 8) and (12, 4)?

Answer 1

`y=-2/3x+12`

Explanation:

First step is to find the slope.

You do this by using the formula:

`m = (y_1 - y_2) / (x_1 - x_2)`

You can use the two points you are given. It doesn't mater which points you use first as long as the y goes on the top and the x on the bottom and keep the point together

`m = (8 -4) / (6 -12)`

`m = (4) / (-6)`

`m =- (2) / (3)`

or

`m = (4-8) / (12-6)`

`m = (-4) / (6)`

`m =- (2) / (3)`

Now that you have the slope you almost completed the equation

`y=-2/3x+b`

Use either points for x and y and solve for b

`8=-2/3(6)+b`

`8=-12/3+b`

`8=-4+b`

`b=12`

Plug b in

`y=-2/3x+12`

Or

`4=-2/3(12)+b`

`4=-24/3+b`

`4=-8+b`

`b=12`

Plug b in

`y=-2/3x+12`