Find the Equation of a Line

There are several forms to use for finding the equation of a line.
• Slope-Intercept Form: y = mx + b
• m is the slope of the line and b is its y-intercept
• Use this form when you are given
• a slope and a y-intercept
• two points on the line
• a slope and a point on the line
• Problem to Work:  Use the slope-intercept of a line to find the equation of a line with y-intercept (0,2) and that is parallel to the line 2x - 3y = 44.  Answer
• Slope-Intercept Form of a Line applet
• Finding a Line from Two Points applet
• Point-Slope Form: 
• m is the slope of the line and  is a point on the line
• Use this form when you are given
• a slope and a point on the line
• two points on the line
• Point-Slope Form of a Line applet
• Problem to Work:  Find the equation of a line that passes through the points (6,2) and (-4,3). Answer
• Intercept Form: 
• a is the x-intercept and b is the y-intercept
• Use this form when you are given
• the x-intercept and the y-intercept
• Problem to Work:  Find the equation of a line with x-intercept (2,0) and y-intercept (0,5). Answer
• Solve these  problems using any method you like.

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