Question 4·Easy·Linear Equations in Two Variables
What is the equation of the line that passes through the points and in the -plane?
For a line through two points, quickly compute the slope using , then plug that slope into and use one of the points to solve for . On multiple-choice questions, you can also speed-check by first eliminating any options with the wrong slope, then testing a point in the remaining equation(s) to see which one gives the correct -value.
Hints
Start with the slope
Use the two given points and to find the slope of the line. Remember, slope is the change in divided by the change in .
Write a general line equation
Once you know the slope , write the equation of the line in the form , leaving unknown for now.
Use one of the points to find b
Pick either or and substitute the - and -values into your equation to solve for .
Check against the answer choices
After you find and , compare your equation with the options and also verify that your equation gives the correct -values for both and .
Desmos Guide
Plot the given points
In Desmos, click the "+" and choose "Table." Enter and in the -column and and in the -column so the points and appear on the graph.
Graph each answer choice
On separate lines, type each option exactly as an equation (for example, y = 2x + 1, then on another line y = -2x + 1, etc.) so four different lines appear on the graph.
Compare lines to the points
Look at which of the four lines passes through both plotted points and . The option whose line goes exactly through both points is the correct equation.
Step-by-step Explanation
Find the change in x and change in y
You are given two points on the line: and . To find the slope, first compute how much and change when you go from the first point to the second:
- Change in :
- Change in : .
Compute the slope of the line
The slope of a line through two points is
Substitute the changes you found:
So the slope of the line is .
Write the line as y = mx + b and plug in the slope
A line with slope can be written as , where is the -intercept.
You already found , so the equation has the form
Now you need to find the value of using one of the points on the line.
Use a point to solve for b and write the final equation
Use point , which lies on the line. Substitute and into :
So
Therefore, the equation of the line is , which corresponds to choice D.