Question

write the equation of the line passing through each of the given pairs of points. write yourresults in slope-interceptformwhere possible. (-1, 3) and (4, -2)

get your slope
I got m =(-2-3)/(4+1) = -1
pick one of the points and m=-1 to sub into
y = mx + b, solve for b and rewrite it as

y = -x ......

y=-x + b
y = -x i GET THIS FAR AND I'M LOST.

ok, so we know m=-1 and let's use the point (-1,3)

then in m = mx+b
3 = -1(-1) + b
3 = 1 + b
3-1 = b
then b=2

your equation therefore is y = -x + 2

test it by putting the other point (4,-2)in it
y = -x + 2
Left side= -2
Right side = -(4) + 2
= -2

it works, so we have the correct equation

Reiny, how did you come up with m= (-2-3)/ (4 + 1 = -1