How do you write an equation in point-slope form for the given (–1, –3) and (4, 1)?

1 Answer
Jul 22, 2015

Calculate the slope of a line joining the two points, then insert this slope and one of the points into the general slope-point form to give:#color(white)("XXXX")##y-1 = 4/5(x-4)#

Explanation:

Part 1: Determine the slope
#m = (Delta y)/(Delta x) = (y_2-y_1)/(x_2-x_1)#

#color(white)("XXXX")##= (1-(-3))/(4-(-1)) = 4/5#

Part 2: Insert this slope and point #(4,1)# into the general slope-point form
general form:
#color(white)("XXXX")##y - haty = m(x-hatx)#

With the derived and given values
#color(white)("XXXX")##y-1 = 4/5(x-4)#