Finding the Equation of a Line Given a Point and Slope

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 35 views

Introduction

In mathematics, the equation of a line can be determined using various methods, including the slope-intercept form, point-slope form, and standard form. In this article, we will focus on finding the equation of a line that passes through a given point and has a specified slope. We will use the point-slope form of a line, which is given by the equation:

y - y1 = m(x - x1)

where (x1, y1) is the given point and m is the slope of the line.

The Point-Slope Form of a Line

The point-slope form of a line is a convenient way to find the equation of a line that passes through a given point and has a specified slope. This form is given by the equation:

y - y1 = m(x - x1)

where (x1, y1) is the given point and m is the slope of the line.

Finding the Equation of a Line Given a Point and Slope

To find the equation of a line that passes through the point (-4, 1) and has a slope of -3/2, we can use the point-slope form of a line. We will substitute the given point and slope into the equation:

y - 1 = (-3/2)(x - (-4))

Simplifying the Equation

To simplify the equation, we can start by multiplying both sides of the equation by 2 to eliminate the fraction:

2(y - 1) = -3(x + 4)

Expanding and Simplifying

Next, we can expand and simplify the equation:

2y - 2 = -3x - 12

Rearranging the Terms

To put the equation in the standard form of a line, we can rearrange the terms:

3x + 2y = 10

Conclusion

In this article, we have shown how to find the equation of a line that passes through a given point and has a specified slope. We used the point-slope form of a line, which is given by the equation:

y - y1 = m(x - x1)

where (x1, y1) is the given point and m is the slope of the line. We then applied this form to find the equation of a line that passes through the point (-4, 1) and has a slope of -3/2. The resulting equation is:

3x + 2y = 10

Example Problems

Find the equation of a line that passes through the point (2, 3) and has a slope of 2/3.
Find the equation of a line that passes through the point (-1, 2) and has a slope of -1/2.
Find the equation of a line that passes through the point (0, 4) and has a slope of 1/2.

Solutions

y - 3 = (2/3)(x - 2)
y - 2 = (-1/2)(x + 1)
y - 4 = (1/2)x

Tips and Tricks

When using the point-slope form of a line, make sure to substitute the given point and slope into the equation correctly.
When simplifying the equation, make sure to eliminate any fractions by multiplying both sides of the equation by the denominator.
When rearranging the terms, make sure to put the equation in the standard form of a line.

Common Mistakes

Failing to substitute the given point and slope into the equation correctly.
Failing to eliminate any fractions by multiplying both sides of the equation by the denominator.
Failing to put the equation in the standard form of a line.

Conclusion

Q: What is the point-slope form of a line?

A: The point-slope form of a line is a way to find the equation of a line that passes through a given point and has a specified slope. It is given by the equation:

y - y1 = m(x - x1)

where (x1, y1) is the given point and m is the slope of the line.

Q: How do I find the equation of a line that passes through a given point and has a specified slope?

A: To find the equation of a line that passes through a given point and has a specified slope, you can use the point-slope form of a line. Simply substitute the given point and slope into the equation and simplify.

Q: What is the slope-intercept form of a line?

A: The slope-intercept form of a line is a way to find the equation of a line that passes through a given point and has a specified slope. It is given by the equation:

y = mx + b

where m is the slope of the line and b is the y-intercept.

Q: How do I convert the point-slope form of a line to the slope-intercept form?

A: To convert the point-slope form of a line to the slope-intercept form, you can simplify the equation by isolating y. This will give you the equation in the slope-intercept form.

Q: What is the standard form of a line?

A: The standard form of a line is a way to write the equation of a line in the form:

Ax + By = C

where A, B, and C are constants.

Q: How do I convert the point-slope form of a line to the standard form?

A: To convert the point-slope form of a line to the standard form, you can simplify the equation by multiplying both sides by the denominator and rearranging the terms.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when finding the equation of a line?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when finding the equation of a line include:

Failing to substitute the given point and slope into the equation correctly
Failing to eliminate any fractions by multiplying both sides of the equation by the denominator
Failing to put the equation in the standard form of a line

Q: How do I check if my answer is correct?

A: To check if your answer is correct, you can plug in the given point and slope into the equation and simplify. If the equation is true, then your answer is correct.

Q: What are some real-world applications of finding the equation of a line?

A: Finding the equation of a line has many real-world applications, including:

Calculating the cost of a product based on its weight and price per unit
Determining the height of a building based on its shadow and the angle of the sun
Finding the equation of a line that passes through a given point and has a specified slope

Q: Can I use the point-slope form of a line to find the equation of a line that passes through two points?

A: Yes, you can use the point-slope form of a line to find the equation of a line that passes through two points. Simply substitute the two points into the equation and simplify.

Q: Can I use the point-slope form of a line to find the equation of a line that is parallel to another line?

A: Yes, you can use the point-slope form of a line to find the equation of a line that is parallel to another line. Simply substitute the slope of the parallel line into the equation and simplify.

Q: Can I use the point-slope form of a line to find the equation of a line that is perpendicular to another line?

A: Yes, you can use the point-slope form of a line to find the equation of a line that is perpendicular to another line. Simply substitute the negative reciprocal of the slope of the perpendicular line into the equation and simplify.