JbiotL-.
Since you know a point
and the slope, use
point-slope form.
IPtlS < • t
How does the
equation help you
make a graph?
Use the point from the
equation. Use the slope
from the equation to find
another point. Graph
using the tw o points.
Here's W hy It W orks Given a p o in t {xv y j on a line an d the line's slope m, you
can use the definition of slope to derive point-slope form.
Vo — Vi
Xz x~ - = m Use th e d e fin itio n o f slope.
y — y,
= m Let (x, y) be any p oin t on the line. Substitute (x, y) for (x2, y2).
x — x
y-y i
X
(x - x 2) = m(x - x2) Multiply each side by (x - x-|).
y - yx = m{x - x 2) Simplify the left side of the equation.
Problem 1 Writing an Equation in Point-Slope Form
A line passes through ( - 3 ,6 ) and has slope - 5. What is an equation of the line?
y - yl = m (x - xx) Use p oin t-slo pe form.
^
y — 6 = —5 [ x - ( ~ 3 ) ] S ub stitu te ( - 3 , 6) fo r (x1( y{) and - 5 for m.
y — 6 = -5(x + 3) Simplify inside grouping symbols.
G o t It? 1. A line passes th rough (8, - 4 ) an d h as slope |. W hat is an e q u a tio n in
point-slope form of the line?
Problem 2 Graphing Using Point-Slope Form
W hat is th e g ra p h of th e e q u a tio n y - 1 = j ( x - 2)?
The equ atio n is in point-slope form, y — y \ = m{x - x{). A p o in t (x1; y x) on th e line is
(2,1), an d th e slope m is |.
Step 1
Go t I t? 2. W hat is the graph of th e eq u a tio n y + 7 = —l ( x - 4)?
Step 3 Draw a line through!
the tw o points.
G ra p h a p o in t
at (2,1).
Step 2 Use th e slope, Go
up 2 u n its a n d r ig h t
3 u n its. D ra w a p o in t.
316 Chapters Lin ear Fu n ct io n s