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

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

cwrw238 · Answer

8-1/-3-a  =  1-6 /(a+2)-5

- 2 slopes 

- this equation holds if two lines are parallel

anonymous · Answer

how did you solve it?

cwrw238 · Answer

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

cwrw238 · Answer

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

cwrw238 · Answer

do u need any more explanation?

anonymous · Answer

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