Question 83·Medium·Linear Functions
Which of the following equations represents a line that passes through the point and is parallel to the line ?
For “parallel line through a point” questions, first rewrite the given line into slope-intercept form to read the slope quickly. Because parallel lines share the same slope, keep that and plug it into point-slope form using the given point. Then solve for to get and compare to the answer choices. As a quick check, make sure your final equation both has the correct slope and makes the given point satisfy the equation when you substitute its coordinates.
Hints
Get the slope of the original line
Start by rewriting in the form . What do you get for the slope ?
Use the idea of parallel lines
Parallel lines have the same slope. Once you know the slope of the original line, your new line must use that exact slope.
Use point-slope form
Plug the slope and the point into point-slope form , then rearrange the equation into so you can compare it with the answer choices.
Desmos Guide
Graph the original line
In a new expression line, type y=2x-3 to graph a line equivalent to . This helps you see the slope and orientation of the given line.
Graph the answer choices
In separate expression lines, enter each choice exactly as written: y=-1/2x+1/2, y=2x+8, y=-2x-8, and y=2x-8. You should now see four candidate lines along with the original line.
Plot the given point and compare
Add the point (3,-2) in Desmos. Look for which of the four candidate lines passes through this point and has the same tilt (slope) as the original line y=2x-3. The equation of that line is the correct choice.
Step-by-step Explanation
Find the slope of the given line
Rewrite the given equation in slope-intercept form .
Start by isolating :
So the slope of the given line is .
Use the slope and the given point to form an equation
Any line parallel to the given line must have the same slope .
Use point-slope form with the point and slope :
So we have:
Convert to slope-intercept form and match a choice
Now simplify to get it into form:
This matches answer choice D) , so that is the equation of the line that is parallel to and passes through .