What does it mean write an equation for the line? (Precalculus)

Question

anonymous · Answer

As you probably know, any point on a plane can be represented be their coordinates (x,y). If you have a straight line, its equation is a rule relating x and y which holds for all points on the line. For every line, its equation is unique.

It can be shown that every straight line has an equation of the form y=mx+c, where m is the slope (gradient) of the line, and c is the y-intercept.

A common precalc question is to "find the equation of a line given two points". Clearly if you have two points, there will only be one straight line that connect them.

anonymous · Answer

So I'm finding the slope of (-2,0) (3,1) after I find that value I plug it into y=mx+c?

anonymous · Answer

The slope will give you the value of m. To get the value of c, all you need to do is substitute one of the coordinates into the equation y=mx+c (and since you already know m, you can work out c).

anonymous · Answer

Thank you so much!

anonymous · Answer

You're welcome :)