How do you write an equation of a line with points (-2,5), (5,-2)?

1 Answer
Azimet
Jan 18, 2017

y = -x +3

Explanation:

A line is given by the equation y - y_0 = m(x-x_0) where m is the slope of the line, and (x_0,y_0) a point on the line. To find the slope of a line when two of its points - (x_1,y_1) and (x_2,y_2) are known, use the formula:

m = (y_2-y_1)/(x_2-x_1)

In this case, m = (-2 - 5)/(5 - (-2)) = -7/7 = -1.

Let's use the point (x_1,y_1) as the point (x_0, y_0) from the first equation:

y - 5 = -1(x-(-2)) => y = -x -2 + 5 => y = -x +3

Related questions
See all questions in Write an Equation Given Two Points
Impact of this question
2669 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License