Writing the equation of a line in any form

The  exercise appears under the Algebra I Math Mission. This exercise finds the equation for a line from given information.

Types of Problems
There are two types of problems in this exercise:


 * 1) Use the graph to find the equation: This problem has the graph of a linear equation on the coordinate plane. The student is expected to use the graph and write the equation of the line in the space provided.Wteoaliaf1.png
 * 2) Use the points to find the equation: This problem has two solutions to a linear equation. The student is expected to use the points to write the equation of the line in the space provided.Wteoaliaf2.png

Strategies
Knowledge of the various forms of a line as well as the slope formula and an ability to work comfortably on the coordinate plane are encouraged to ensure success on this exercise.
 * 1) The point-slope form of a line, y-y_1=m(x-x_1), is the most efficient for creating the equation of a line.
 * 2) Students can also use the slope intercept form, y=mx+b.
 * 3) Any approach will require the slope of the line, rise over run.
 * 4) When provided the graph, to find the slope correctly find lattice points that are hit by the graph. It needs to be exact to be correct.

Real-life Applications

 * 1) Calculus has applications where finding equations of tangent lines when a point and a slope (derivative) are provided.
 * 2) The sciences can use the techniques in this exercise to model reactions and forces.