Question

If the line passing through the points
(a, 1) and (−3, 8)
is parallel to the line passing through the points
(5, 6) and (a + 2, 1),
what is the value of a

Answer 1

8-1/-3-a = 1-6 /(a+2)-5

- 2 slopes

- this equation holds if two lines are parallel

Answer 2

how did you solve it?

Answer 3

solve for a:
15+ 5a = 7a + 14 - 35
2a = 36
a = 18

Answer 4

check :
(18, 1) and (-3,8)
slope = 8-1/-3-18 = 7/-21 = -1/3

(5,6) and (18+2, 1) = (5,6) and ( 20,-1)
slope = 1-6/ 20-5 = -5/15 = -1/3

slopes are equal so lines are parallel
a=18 is correct

Answer 5

do u need any more explanation?

Answer 6

thank you! i was getting the problem wrong because when i solved for a i was subtracting insterad of adding i thought you had to do opposites or something