Using the Point to Write the Equation

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 16 views

Which Equation Correctly Uses the Point to Write the Equation of the Line in Point-Slope Form?

Understanding Point-Slope Form

The point-slope form of a linear equation is a way to express the equation of a line using the coordinates of a point on the line and the slope of the line. The general form of the point-slope form is:

y - y1 = m(x - x1)

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

Using the Point to Write the Equation

To write the equation of the line in point-slope form, we need to use the given point (-2, -6) and the slope of the line. Let's analyze each option:

Option A: y + 6 = \frac{2}{5}(x + 2)

To determine if this is the correct equation, we need to check if the slope is correct and if the point is used correctly. The slope of the line is \frac{2}{5}, which is correct. However, the point (-2, -6) is not used correctly. The point should be in the form (x1, y1), but in this option, it is in the form (x + 2, y + 6).

Option B: y - 6 = \frac{2}{5}(x - 2)

In this option, the slope is correct, but the point is not used correctly. The point should be in the form (x1, y1), but in this option, it is in the form (x - 2, y - 6).

Option C: y + 6 = \frac{5}{2}(x + 2)

In this option, the slope is incorrect. The slope should be \frac{2}{5}, but in this option, it is \frac{5}{2}.

Option D: y - 6 = \frac{2}{5}(x + 2)

In this option, the slope is correct, and the point is used correctly. The point (-2, -6) is in the form (x1, y1), and the slope is \frac{2}{5}.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, the correct equation that uses the point (-2, -6) to write the equation of the line in point-slope form is:

y - 6 = \frac{2}{5}(x + 2)

This equation uses the point correctly and has the correct slope.

Why is Point-Slope Form Important?

Point-slope form is an important concept in mathematics because it allows us to write the equation of a line using the coordinates of a point on the line and the slope of the line. This form is useful when we need to find the equation of a line that passes through a given point and has a known slope.

How to Use Point-Slope Form

To use point-slope form, we need to follow these steps:

Identify the coordinates of a point on the line.
Identify the slope of the line.
Use the point-slope form equation: y - y1 = m(x - x1)
Plug in the values of the point and the slope into the equation.

Real-World Applications of Point-Slope Form

Point-slope form has many real-world applications, including:

Writing the equation of a line that passes through a given point and has a known slope.
Finding the equation of a line that passes through two given points.
Determining the slope of a line using the coordinates of two points.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When using point-slope form, there are several common mistakes to avoid:

Using the wrong slope or point.
Not using the point-slope form equation correctly.
Not plugging in the values of the point and the slope into the equation correctly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, point-slope form is an important concept in mathematics that allows us to write the equation of a line using the coordinates of a point on the line and the slope of the line. By following the steps outlined in this article, we can use point-slope form to write the equation of a line that passes through a given point and has a known slope.
Point-Slope Form Q&A

Frequently Asked Questions About Point-Slope Form

Q: What is point-slope form?

A: Point-slope form is a way to express the equation of a line using the coordinates of a point on the line and the slope of the line. The general form of the point-slope form is:

y - y1 = m(x - x1)

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

Q: How do I use point-slope form to write the equation of a line?

A: To use point-slope form, you need to follow these steps:

Identify the coordinates of a point on the line.
Identify the slope of the line.
Use the point-slope form equation: y - y1 = m(x - x1)
Plug in the values of the point and the slope into the equation.

Q: What is the slope of a line?

A: The slope of a line is a measure of how steep the line is. It is calculated by dividing the change in y by the change in x. The slope can be positive, negative, or zero.

Q: How do I find the slope of a line?

A: To find the slope of a line, you need to use the coordinates of two points on the line. The slope can be calculated using the formula:

m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

where (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are the coordinates of the two points.

Q: What is the point-slope form equation?

A: The point-slope form equation is:

y - y1 = m(x - x1)

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

Q: How do I plug in the values of the point and the slope into the equation?

A: To plug in the values of the point and the slope into the equation, you need to follow these steps:

Identify the coordinates of the point: (x1, y1)
Identify the slope: m
Plug in the values into the equation: y - y1 = m(x - x1)

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using point-slope form?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when using point-slope form include:

Using the wrong slope or point.
Not using the point-slope form equation correctly.
Not plugging in the values of the point and the slope into the equation correctly.

Q: When should I use point-slope form?

A: You should use point-slope form when you need to write the equation of a line that passes through a given point and has a known slope.

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

A: Yes, you can use point-slope form to find the equation of a line that passes through two given points. However, you will need to find the slope of the line first using the coordinates of the two points.

Q: Can I use point-slope form to determine the slope of a line?

A: Yes, you can use point-slope form to determine the slope of a line. However, you will need to use the coordinates of two points on the line and the point-slope form equation to find the slope.

Conclusion

In conclusion, point-slope form is a powerful tool for writing the equation of a line using the coordinates of a point on the line and the slope of the line. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can use point-slope form to write the equation of a line that passes through a given point and has a known slope.