equation of lines: if i get 2 pts like (7, -11) can't do it

[nygiants359]

i need help with these...i cant understand why they escape me.. i can manage slope..but the y=mx+b is throwing me off.

like if i get two points i.e (7,-11) i cant figure out how to change it to what i need.

 

[Denis]

Re: equation of lines!!!!

i need help with these...i cant understand why they escape me..
i can manage slope..but the y=mx+b is throwing me off.
like if i get two points i.e (7,-11) i cant figure out how to change it to what i need.

(7,-11) is one point, not two; all you can do is -11 = 7m + b

y = (slope)x + yintercept : you did or didn't know that?

 

[mmm4444bot]

Re: equation of lines!!!!

...i cant figure out how to change it to what i need.

Hello NY:

What is it that you need?

Do you need the equation for some line that passes through the point (7, -11)?

If this is the case, then please post the exercise. If you've only been given the coordinates for one point, then there must be additional information that allows you to determine the slope.

There is an equation called the Point-Slope Form of a line that allows you to write the equation for a line when all you know is one point and the slope.

If you actually know two points, then the method for writing the equation is different.

(7, 11) is not enough information to determine any specific line because there are an infinite number of lines that pass through any single point.

In addition to posting the exercise, if you come back here, please also include any work that you've been able to accomplish so far, and try to say something about why you're stuck.

Cheers,

~ Mark