Question

Can anybody explain how to solve this?
It has equal intercepts and forms a triangle with positive x and y axis and with area of 8 sq. units. Find the equation in general form.
Thank you :D

Answer 1

any attempt so far ?

Answer 2

I can't picture out the figure.

Answer 3

Draw the x and y axis, construct a line making equal intercepts on both the axis, whats the problem ?

Answer 4

The problem is the triangle has the area of 8 sq. units and I have to find the general equation of it.

Answer 5

I know that.
Is the figure clear ?

Answer 6

No.

Answer 7

Do you understand the term 'intercepts' ?

Answer 8

Not really.

Answer 9

an intercept means the distance of the point from the origin where a line cuts the axis.

Like if a line passes through point (4,0) and (0,5) then it means it cuts intercept of 4 units on axis and 5 units of y axis

Answer 10

Okay. Then in the problem, I must look for a positive X and Y intercepts that will make a triangle.
So that figure is Clear to me right now.

Answer 11

yes, and in the question it is given equal intercepts, which means distance of origin and that point is equal for both x axis and y axis.

Answer 12

But, how should I do that?

Answer 13

Like this


we are given x intercept = y intercept

Answer 14

How can I make sure that it has the area of 8 sq. units?

Answer 15

we are getting there slowly.
Now


I let those points to be (0,a) and (a,0) , is this clear ?

Answer 16

Yes :D

Answer 17

Now what is the area of a triangle ?

Answer 18

So, what would the equation of the line be in standard form. You have two points of the line.