Find the point on the line 1x+7y-4=0 which is closest to the point (-4,-6)

Answer 1

distance will be along the perpendicular. The line perpendicular will have a slope= 7 (negative reciprocal of slope of the curve)

y=mx+b=7x+b but the point -4,-6) is on the line, so
-6=-28+b, or b=22 check that

finally, the curve and the line intersect, so
y=-x/7+4/7
y=7x+22
solve for x, y.

Now the distance formula

distance=sqrt[(x+4)^2+(y+6)^2 using x,y above.

Answer 2

isn't x,y above just -4,-6 ?
what do i do with the distance formula?