Question

find the equation of the line containing the given pair of points. (-5,-2) and (-1,-8)
what is the equation? y=

Answer 1

We can find the slope, m, by taking the rise between the two points (difference in y values) over the run (difference in x values). then we use one of the points in the equation y = mx + b to find b.

difference in y = (-2 - -8) = 6
difference in x = (-5 - -1) = -4
so m = -6/4

-2 = -6/4(-5) + b
-2 = 30/4 + b
-8/4 - 30/4 = b = -9.5

y = -1.5x-9.5

check with the other point:
-8=-1.5(-1)-9.5