Elementary Algebra 2e

Chapter 1 Foundations
15 Topics
Introduction
1.1 Introduction to Whole Numbers
1.2 Use the Language of Algebra
1.3 Add and Subtract Integers
1.4 Multiply and Divide Integers
1.5 Visualize Fractions
1.6 Add and Subtract Fractions
1.7 Decimals
1.8 The Real Numbers
1.9 Properties of Real Numbers
1.10 Systems of Measurement
Chapter Review Key Terms
Key Concepts
Review Exercises
Practice Test
Chapter 2 Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities
12 Topics
Introduction
2.1 Solve Equations Using the Subtraction and Addition Properties of Equality
2.2 Solve Equations using the Division and Multiplication Properties of Equality
2.3 Solve Equations with Variables and Constants on Both Sides
2.4 Use a General Strategy to Solve Linear Equations
2.5 Solve Equations with Fractions or Decimals
2.6 Solve a Formula for a Specific Variable
2.7 Solve Linear Inequalities
Key Terms
Key Concepts
Review Exercises
Practice Test
Chapter 3 Math Models
11 Topics
Introduction
3.1 Use a Problem-Solving Strategy
3.2 Solve Percent Applications
3.3 Solve Mixture Applications
3.4 Solve Geometry Applications: Triangles, Rectangles, and the Pythagorean Theorem
3.5 Solve Uniform Motion Applications
3.6 Solve Applications with Linear Inequalities
Key Terms
Key Concepts
Review Exercises
Practice Test
Chapter 4 Graphs
12 Topics
Introduction
4.1 Use the Rectangular Coordinate System
4.2 Graph Linear Equations in Two Variables
4.3 Graph with Intercepts
4.4 Understand Slope of a Line
4.5 Use the Slope-Intercept Form of an Equation of a Line
4.6 Find the Equation of a Line
4.7 Graphs of Linear Inequalities
Chapter Review
Key Terms
Review Exercises
Practice Test
Chapter 5 Systems of Linear Equations
5 Topics
Introduction
5.1 Solve Systems of Equations by Graphing
5.3 Solve Systems of Equations by Elimination
5.5 Solve Mixture Applications with Systems of Equations
5.4 Solve Applications with Systems of Equations
Chapter 6 Polynomials
12 Topics
Introduction
6.1 Add and Subtract Polynomials
6.2 Use Multiplication Properties of Exponents
6.3 Multiply Polynomials
6.4 Special Products
6.5 Divide Monomials
6.6 Divide Polynomials
6.7 Integer Exponents and Scientific Notation
Key Terms
Key Concepts
Review Exercises
Practice Test
7 Factoring
11 Topics
Introduction
7.1 Greatest Common Factor and Factor by Grouping
7.2 Factor Trinomials of the Form x2+bx+c
7.3 Factor Trinomials of the Form ax2+bx+c
7.4 Factor Special Products
7.5 General Strategy for Factoring Polynomials
7.6 Quadratic Equations
Key Terms
Key Concepts
Review Exercises
Practice Test
8 Rational Expressions and Equations
14 Topics
Introduction
8.1 Simplify Rational Expressions
8.2 Multiply and Divide Rational Expressions
8.3 Add and Subtract Rational Expressions with a Common Denominator
8.4 Add and Subtract Rational Expressions with Unlike Denominators
8.5 Simplify Complex Rational Expressions
8.6 Solve Rational Equations
8.7 Solve Proportion and Similar Figure Applications
8.8 Solve Uniform Motion and Work Applications
8.9 Use Direct and Inverse Variation
Key Terms
Key Concepts
Review Exercises
Practice Test
9 Roots and Radicals
13 Topics
Introduction
9.1 Simplify and Use Square Roots
9.2 Simplify Square Roots
9.3 Add and Subtract Square Roots
9.4 Multiply Square Roots
9.5 Divide Square Roots
9.6 Solve Equations with Square Roots
9.7 Higher Roots
9.8 Rational Exponents
Key Terms
Key Concepts
Review Exercises
Practice Test
10 Quadratic Equations
10 Topics
Introduction
10.1 Solve Quadratic Equations Using the Square Root Property
10.2 Solve Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square
10.3 Solve Quadratic Equations Using the Quadratic Formula
10.4 Solve Applications Modeled by Quadratic Equations
10.5 Graphing Quadratic Equations in Two Variables
Key Terms
Key Concepts
Review Exercises
Practice Test
Answer Key
1 Topic
Index
Quiz
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4.6 Find the Equation of a Line

Elementary Algebra 2e Chapter 4 Graphs 4.6 Find the Equation of a Line

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

  • Find an equation of the line given the slope and y

-intercept Find an equation of the line given the slope and a point Find an equation of the line given two points Find an equation of a line parallel to a given line Find an equation of a line perpendicular to a given line

How do online retailers know that ‘you may also like’ a particular item based on something you just ordered? How can economists know how a rise in the minimum wage will affect the unemployment rate? How do medical researchers create drugs to target cancer cells? How can traffic engineers predict the effect on your commuting time of an increase or decrease in gas prices? It’s all mathematics.

You are at an exciting point in your mathematical journey as the mathematics you are studying has interesting applications in the real world.

The physical sciences, social sciences, and the business world are full of situations that can be modeled with linear equations relating two variables. Data is collected and graphed. If the data points appear to form a straight line, an equation of that line can be used to predict the value of one variable based on the value of the other variable.

To create a mathematical model of a linear relation between two variables, we must be able to find the equation of the line. In this section we will look at several ways to write the equation of a line. The specific method we use will be determined by what information we are given.

Find an Equation of the Line Given the Slope and y-Intercept

We can easily determine the slope and intercept of a line if the equation was written in slope–intercept form, y=mx+b. Now, we will do the reverse—we will start with the slope and y-intercept and use them to find the equation of the line.

Sometimes, the slope and intercept need to be determined from the graph.

Find an Equation of the Line Given the Slope and a Point

Finding an equation of a line using the slope–intercept form of the equation works well when you are given the slope and y-intercept or when you read them off a graph. But what happens when you have another point instead of the y-intercept?

We are going to use the slope formula to derive another form of an equation of the line. Suppose we have a line that has slope m and that contains some specific point (x1,y1) and some other point, which we will just call (x,y). We can write the slope of this line and then change it to a different form.

This format is called the point–slope form of an equation of a line.

Point–slope Form of an Equation of a Line

The point–slope form of an equation of a line with slope m and containing the point (x1,y1)

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We can use the point–slope form of an equation to find an equation of a line when we are given the slope and one point. Then we will rewrite the equation in slope–intercept form. Most applications of linear equations use the the slope–intercept form.

How To

Find an equation of a line given the slope and a point.

  • Step 1. Identify the slope.
  • Step 2. Identify the point.
  • Step 3. Substitute the values into the point-slope form, y−y1=m(x−x1)

. Step 4. Write the equation in slope–intercept form.

Find an Equation of the Line Given Two Points

When real-world data is collected, a linear model can be created from two data points. In the next example we’ll see how to find an equation of a line when just two points are given.

We have two options so far for finding an equation of a line: slope–intercept or point–slope. Since we will know two points, it will make more sense to use the point–slope form.

But then we need the slope. Can we find the slope with just two points? Yes. Then, once we have the slope, we can use it and one of the given points to find the equation.

How To

Find an equation of a line given two points.

  • Step 1. Find the slope using the given points.
  • Step 2. Choose one point.
  • Step 3. Substitute the values into the point-slope form, y−y1=m(x−x1).
  • Step 4. Write the equation in slope–intercept form.

We have seen that we can use either the slope–intercept form or the point–slope form to find an equation of a line. Which form we use will depend on the information we are given. This is summarized in Table 4.47.

Find an Equation of a Line Parallel to a Given Line

Suppose we need to find an equation of a line that passes through a specific point and is parallel to a given line. We can use the fact that parallel lines have the same slope. So we will have a point and the slope—just what we need to use the point–slope equation.

First let’s look at this graphically.

The graph shows the graph of y=2x−3. We want to graph a line parallel to this line and passing through the point (−2,1).The graph shows the x y-coordinate plane. The x and y-axes each run from negative 7 to 7. The line whose equation is y equals 2x minus 3 intercepts the y-axis at (0, negative 3) and intercepts the x-axis at (3 halves, 0). Elsewhere on the graph, the point (negative 2, 1) is plotted.

We know that parallel lines have the same slope. So the second line will have the same slope asy=2x−3. That slope ism∥=2. We’ll use the notation m∥ to represent the slope of a line parallel to a line with slope m. (Notice that the subscript ∥ looks like two parallel lines.)

The second line will pass through (−2,1) and have m=2. To graph the line, we start at(−2,1) and count out the rise and run. With m=2 (or m=2/1), we count out the rise 2 and the run 1. We draw the line.

The graph shows the x y-coordinate plane. The x and y-axes each run from negative 7 to 7. The line whose equation is y equals 2x minus 3 intercepts the y-axis at (0, negative 3) and intercepts the x-axis at (3 halves, 0). The points (negative 2, 1) and (negative 1, 3) are plotted. A second line, parallel to the first, intercepts the x-axis at (negative 5 halves, 0), passes through the points (negative 2, 1) and (negative 1, 3), and intercepts the y-axis at (0, 5).

Do the lines appear parallel? Does the second line pass through (−2,1)?

Now, let’s see how to do this algebraically.

We can use either the slope–intercept form or the point–slope form to find an equation of a line. Here we know one point and can find the slope. So we will use the point–slope form.

How To

Find an equation of a line parallel to a given line.

  • Step 1. Find the slope of the given line.
  • Step 2. Find the slope of the parallel line.
  • Step 3. Identify the point.
  • Step 4. Substitute the values into the point–slope form, y−y1=m(x−x1).
  • Step 5. Write the equation in slope–intercept form.

Find an Equation of a Line Perpendicular to a Given Line

Now, let’s consider perpendicular lines. Suppose we need to find a line passing through a specific point and which is perpendicular to a given line. We can use the fact that perpendicular lines have slopes that are negative reciprocals. We will again use the point–slope equation, like we did with parallel lines.

The graph shows the graph of y=2x−3. Now, we want to graph a line perpendicular to this line and passing through (−2,1).The graph shows the x y-coordinate plane. The x and y-axes each run from negative 7 to 7. The line whose equation is y equals 2x minus 3 intercepts the y-axis at (0, negative 3) and intercepts the x-axis at (3 halves, 0). Elsewhere on the graph, the point (negative 2, 1) is plotted.

We know that perpendicular lines have slopes that are negative reciprocals. We’ll use the notation m⊥ to represent the slope of a line perpendicular to a line with slope m. (Notice that the subscript ⊥ looks like the right angles made by two perpendicular lines.)

We now know the perpendicular line will pass through (−2,1) with m⊥=−1/2.

To graph the line, we will start at (−2,1) and count out the rise −1 and the run 2. Then we draw the line.

The graph shows the x y-coordinate plane. The x and y-axes each run from negative 7 to 7. The line whose equation is y equals 2x minus 3 intercepts the y-axis at (0, negative 3) and intercepts the x-axis at (3 halves, 0). Elsewhere, the point (negative 2, 1) is plotted. Another line perpendicular to the first line passes through the point (negative 2, 1) and intercepts the x and y-axes at (0, 0). A red line with an arrow extends left from (0, 0) to (negative 2, 0), then extends up and terminates at (negative 2, 1), forming a right triangle with the second line as a hypotenuse.

Do the lines appear perpendicular? Does the second line pass through (−2,1)?

Now, let’s see how to do this algebraically. We can use either the slope–intercept form or the point–slope form to find an equation of a line. In this example we know one point, and can find the slope, so we will use the point–slope form.

How To

Find an equation of a line perpendicular to a given line.

  • Step 1. Find the slope of the given line.
  • Step 2. Find the slope of the perpendicular line.
  • Step 3. Identify the point.
  • Step 4. Substitute the values into the point–slope form, y−y1=m(x−x1).
  • Step 5. Write the equation in slope–intercept form.

In Example 4.67, we used the point–slope form to find the equation. We could have looked at this in a different way.

We want to find a line that is perpendicular to x=5 that contains the point (3,−2). The graph shows us the linex=5 and the point (3,−2).

The graph shows the x y-coordinate plane. The x and y-axes each run from negative 7 to 7. The line whose equation is x equals 5 intercepts the x-axis at (5, 0) and runs parallel to the y-axis. Elsewhere on the graph, the point (3, negative 2) is plotted.

We know every line perpendicular to a vetical line is horizontal, so we will sketch the horizontal line through (3,−2).The graph shows the x y-coordinate plane. The x and y-axes each run from negative 7 to 7. The line whose equation is x equals 5 intercepts the x-axis at (5, 0) and runs parallel to the y-axis. Elsewhere on the graph, the points (negative 2, negative 2), (0, negative 2), (3, negative 2), and (6, negative 2) are plotted. A line perpendicular to the previous line passes through those points and runs parallel to the x-axis.

Do the lines appear perpendicular?

If we look at a few points on this horizontal line, we notice they all have y-coordinates of −2. So, the equation of the line perpendicular to the vertical line x=5 is y=−2.

Media

Access this online resource for additional instruction and practice with finding the equation of a line.

  • Use the Point-Slope Form of an Equation of a Line

Section 4.6 Exercises

Practice Makes Perfect

Find an Equation of the Line Given the Slope and y-Intercept

In the following exercises, find the equation of a line with given slope and y-intercept. Write the equation in slope–intercept form.

In the following exercises, find the equation of the line shown in each graph. Write the equation in slope–intercept form.

402.

The graph shows the x y-coordinate plane. The x and y-axes each run from negative 9 to 9. The point (1, negative 2) is plotted. A line intercepts the y-axis at (0, negative 5), passes through the point (1, negative 2), and intercepts the x-axis at (5 thirds, 0).

403.

The graph shows the x y-coordinate plane. The x and y-axes each run from negative 9 to 9. The point (2, 0) is plotted. A line intercepts the y-axis at (0, 4) and intercepts the x-axis at (2, 0).

404.

The graph shows the x y-coordinate plane. The x and y-axes each run from negative 9 to 9. The point (6, 0) is plotted. A line intercepts the y-axis at (0, negative 3) and intercepts the x-axis at (6, 0).

405.

The graph shows the x y-coordinate plane. The x and y-axes each run from negative 9 to 9. The point (4, 5) is plotted. A line intercepts the x-axis at (negative 8 thirds, 0), intercepts the y-axis at (0, 2), and passes through the point (4, 5).

406.

The graph shows the x y-coordinate plane. The x and y-axes each run from negative 9 to 9. The point (3, negative 1) is plotted. A line intercepts the y-axis at (0, 2), intercepts the x-axis at (9 fourths, 0), and passes through the point (3, negative 1).

407.

The graph shows the x y-coordinate plane. The x and y-axes each run from negative 9 to 9. The point (2, negative 4) is plotted. A line intercepts the x-axis at (negative 2 thirds, 0), intercepts the y-axis at (0, negative 1), and passes through the point (2, negative 4).

408.

The graph shows the x y-coordinate plane. The x and y-axes each run from negative 9 to 9. The point (2, negative 2) is plotted. A line running parallel to the x-axis intercepts the y-axis at (0, negative 2) and passes through the point (2, negative 2).

409.

The graph shows the x y-coordinate plane. The x and y-axes each run from negative 9 to 9. The point (negative 3, 6) is plotted. A line running parallel to the x-axis passes through (negative 3, 6) and intercepts the y-axis at (0, 6).

Find an Equation of the Line Given the Slope and a Point

In the following exercises, find the equation of a line with given slope and containing the given point. Write the equation in slope–intercept form.

Find an Equation of the Line Given Two Points

In the following exercises, find the equation of a line containing the given points. Write the equation in slope–intercept form.

Find an Equation of a Line Parallel to a Given Line

In the following exercises, find an equation of a line parallel to the given line and contains the given point. Write the equation in slope–intercept form.

Find an Equation of a Line Perpendicular to a Given Line

In the following exercises, find an equation of a line perpendicular to the given line and contains the given point. Write the equation in slope–intercept form.

Mixed Practice

In the following exercises, find the equation of each line. Write the equation in slope–intercept form.

Everyday Math

500.Cholesterol. The age, x, and LDL cholesterol level, y, of two men are given by the points (18,68) and (27,122). Find a linear equation that models the relationship between age and LDL cholesterol level.

501.Fuel consumption. The city mpg, x, and highway mpg, y, of two cars are given by the points (29,40) and(19,28). Find a linear equation that models the relationship between city mpg and highway mpg.

Writing Exercises

502.Why are all horizontal lines parallel?

503.Explain in your own words why the slopes of two perpendicular lines must have opposite signs.

Self Check

ⓐ After completing the exercises, use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.

This is a table that has six rows and four columns. In the first row, which is a header row, the cells read from left to right: “I can…,” “confidently,” “with some help,” and “no-I don’t get it!” The first column below “I can…” reads “find the equation of the line given the slope and y-intercept,”, “find an equation of the line given the slope and a point,” “find an equation of the line given two points,” “find an equation of a line parallel to a given line,” and “find an equation of a line perpendicular to a given line.” The rest of the cells are blank.

ⓑ On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your mastery of this section in light of your responses on the checklist? How can you improve this?

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