Subject Code Math 2 Intermediate Algebra

Module Code 1.0 Linear Equations in Two Variables (LETV)

Lesson Code 1.5.1 Graphing and Writing LETV Using Point-Slope Form
Time Frame 30 Minutes

TARGET
After completing this module, you are expected to:
▪ write the equation of a line given its slope and a point on the line; and
▪ graph a line using its slope and a point on the line.

HOOK TA: 10 Minutes* ATA**:

You have learned how to write and graph an equation of the line by using its slope and 𝑦-intercept. In this
lesson, you will learn how to write an equation without using the 𝑦-intercept.

HOT-AIR BALLOON 680

The graph on the right shows the 640

(5,640)
Altitude (meters)

altitude of a hot-air balloon during its

(15,620)
linear descent. 600

(35,580)
Write the equation of the line in 560
(45,560)
slope-intercept form.
520
(Note: The graph doesn’t show the
path of the balloon.)
10 20 30 40 50
Hot-Air Balloon Image Source: https://www.jing.fm/iclipt/ibioJm/ Time(seconds)

Guide Questions: Refer to the graph presented above.

• How can you calculate the slope of the line?
• Why is visual inspection not the best way to determine the 𝑦-intercept?
• How can you determine the exact value of the 𝑦-intercept?

In this lesson, you will explore Point-Slope Form of linear equation. This form of linear equation will provide
an easier way to write the equation when the 𝑦-intercept is not provided.

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ILLUSTRATION

Figure 5.1 shows a line with slope 𝒎 that passes through a specific point Q(𝒙𝟏 , 𝒚𝟏 ).

𝑄(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 )

𝑂
Figure 5.1

To find the equation of the line, we can begin by locating on the line any point 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) other than (0, 𝑏).

𝑥 − 𝑥1
𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦)
𝑦 − 𝑦1

𝑄(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 )

The slope of the line is given by any two of its points. You may use the two points 𝑄(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) and 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) to
write

𝑦 − 𝑦1
𝑚=
𝑥 − 𝑥1

If both sides are multiplied by 𝑥 − 𝑥1 , then

𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥1 ) = 𝑦 − 𝑦1

or
equation of the line with slope
𝒚 − 𝒚𝟏 = 𝒎(𝒙 − 𝒙𝟏 )
𝑚 that passes through (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 )

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 IGNITE TA: 20 Minutes* ATA**:

You can use the slope of a line and any point found on the line to write and graph the equation of the line.

THE POINT-SLOPE FORM OF A LINE

The point-slope form of an equation of a nonvertical line with slope 𝑚 and through point
(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) is
𝒚 − 𝒚𝟏 = 𝒎(𝒙 − 𝒙𝟏 )
where 𝒎 is the slope and (𝒙𝟏 , 𝒚𝟏 ) is a point on the line.

Example 1: Writing an Equation in Point-Slope Form

A line passes through (2, −5) and has slope −3. What is the equation of the line?

Solution: 𝒎 = −3, 𝒙𝟏 = 2 and 𝒚𝟏 = −5

𝑦 − (−𝟓) = −𝟑(𝑥 − 𝟐) Substitute (2, −5) for (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) and −3 for m

𝑦 + 5 = −3(𝑥 − 2)

Answer: 𝒚 + 𝟓 = −𝟑(𝒙 − 𝟐)

Example 2: Writing an Equation from a Graph (using Two Points)

Write the equation (in point-slope form) of the line shown.
Solution:

You need the slope 𝑚, so start with the slope

formula. Choose two points from the line. Two
points on the line are (−3, −4) and (1, 5).

(5)−(−4) 9
slope=𝑚 = (1)−(−3 )
=
4

Use point-slope form.

𝒚 − 𝒚𝟏 = 𝒎(𝒙 − 𝒙𝟏 )

Use either of the two points chosen for (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ).

For example, you can choose (1, 5). So 𝑥1 = 1
and 𝑦1 = 5. If you chose the point (−3, −4) instead
of (1, 5), then the equation of the line in
9
Substitute for 𝑚, 1 for 𝑥1 , and 5 for 𝑦1 . point-slope form is
4 𝟗
𝒚 + 𝟒 = (𝒙 + 𝟑)
𝟗 𝟒
Answer: 𝒚 − 𝟓 = (𝒙 − 𝟏) Try to rewrite the two equations in slope-
𝟒
intercept form. Then compare the two
rewritten equations. What can you
conclude?
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 You have learned to write equations of a line using two points by using any of the following
forms:
1. Slope-Intercept Form (Lesson 1.4.1. Example 4); and
2. Point-Slope Form (In this lesson, Example 2)

The operation signs in the Point-Slope Form are subtraction, so negative 𝑥1 and 𝑦1
values will change the signs to addition.
1 1
e.g. In the point-slope form 𝑦 + 8 = (𝑥 + 24), the slope is and a point is (−8, −24),
2 2
not (8, 24).

Example 3: Using a Table to Write an Equation

The table shows the altitude of a hot-air balloon during its linear descent. Hot-Air Balloon Descent
What equation in slope-intercept form gives the balloon’s altitude at any Time, 𝒙 Altitude, 𝒚
time? What do the slope and 𝑦-intercept represent? (s) (m)
10 640
Solution:
30 590
Use two points such as (30, 590) and (70, 490), to find the
slope. 70 490
90 440
490−590 −100 5
𝑚 = 70−30 = 40 = − 2 𝑜𝑟 − 2.5
The table gives four
Use point-slope form 𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥1 ). points. You can use any
two of the points to find
𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥1 ) Use point-slope form. the slope. Then use point-
slope form.
5
point-slope 𝑦 − 590 = − (𝑥 − 30) Use data point (30, 590)
2
form 5
and the slope −
2
5
𝑦 − 590 = − 𝑥 + 75
2
The slope is expressed
5
𝑦 = − 𝑥 + 75 + 590 as a decimal when the
2 equation represents a real-
slope-intercept 5 world situation
𝑦 = − 𝑥 + 665 or 𝑦 = −2.5𝑥 + 665
form 2

The slope −2.5 represents the rate of descent of the balloon in meters per second.
The 𝑦-intercept 665 represents the initial altitude of the balloon in meters.

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Example 4: Graphing a Linear Equation using the Point-Slope Form

How to Graph LETV using the Slope and a Point on the Line

Step 1: Plot the point.

𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑒
Step 2: Use the slope formula 𝑚 = to find a second point on the line.
𝑟𝑢𝑛

Step 3: Draw a line through the two points.

3
Graph the equation 𝑦 + 1 = (𝑥 + 2).
4

Solution:

The equation is in point-slope form,

𝑟𝑢𝑛 = 4
𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥1 ).

A point (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) on the line is (−2, −1),

3
and the slope 𝑚 is .
4 𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑒 = 3

Step 1: Plot the point (−2, −1).

3
Step 2: Use the slope .
4
𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑒 3 −3
𝑚 = 𝑟𝑢𝑛 = or
4 −4
3
𝑦 + 1 = (𝑥 + 2)
Start at (−2, −1), ‘rise’ UP by 3 units then ‘run’ 4
to the RIGHT by 4 units to locate another point.
Step 3: Draw a line through points (−2, −1) and (2, 2).

REFERENCES:
Charles, Randall I.; Hall, Basia; Kennedy, Dan; Bellman, Allan E.; Bragg, Sadoe Chavis; Handlin, William
G.; Murphy, Stuart J.; Wiggins, Grant. (2015). Algebra 1 Common Core. New Jersey: Pearson
Education, Inc.
Hall, B. C., & Fabricant, M. (1993). Algebra 2 with Trigonometry. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Sobel, M. A., & Lerner, N. (2001). Algebra and Trigonometry (5th ed.). Singapore: Pearson Education Asia
Pte Ltd.

-End-

Prepared by: Ronald M. Navalta Reviewed by: Arvin Fajardo

Position: Special Science Teacher III Position: Special Science Teacher III
Campus: PSHS-Cagayan Valley Campus Campus: PSHS-Central Luzon Campus

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