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1.3: Lines: Learning Goals

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9 views

1.3: Lines: Learning Goals

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Bumbafan180 Bumbafan180
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Math-115 Chapter 1: Graphs and Functions Fall 2024

1.3: Lines

Back in section A.6 we learned about equations which we called ‘linear.’ Today, we learn what that actually
means. Linear equations are a very special class of simple equations which can be described many different
ways. Today we will learn exactly what these linear functions are.

Learning Goals. By the end of this section, students will be able to...

• define the slope of a line,

• find the slope of a line given its graph, equation, or any two points which are on the line,

• write the equation of a line in point-slope form,

• write the equation of a line in slope-intercept form,

• recite the formulas for the point-slope form and for the slope-intercept form of a line,

• determine if two lines are parallel or perpendicular,

• find the equation of lines which are parallel or perpendicular to a given line.

1.3: Lines 1 of 6
Math-115 Chapter 1: Graphs and Functions Fall 2024

Equations in two Variables

We have seen that graphs of equations have a ‘shape.’ The simplest shape a graph can have would be a
straight line, which will will just call a line. The equations which have that shape are the ‘linear equations’
which we studied in A.6 (except now we treat them as equations in two variables rather than one).

Definition. A steepness of a line is called its slope.


The location where a line crosses the y−axis is called the y-intercept.

To find the slope of a line, we can pick any two points (x1 , y1 ) and (x2 , y2 ) on the line and use the formula:

y2 − y1
slope = m =
x2 − x1

Slope is sometimes referred to as the ‘change in y per unit change in x’


Example: Find the slope between...
(a) the points P (3, 3) and Q(4, 6); (b) the equation y = 3 − 5x; (c) the depicted line

10

-10 -5 5 10

-5

-10

1.3: Lines 2 of 6
Math-115 Chapter 1: Graphs and Functions Fall 2024

Facts about slope:


- Lines with positive slope are , and those with negative slope are
- Lines with greater slope (in absolute value) are
- The slope of vertical lines is
- The slope of horizontal lines is

Forms for the Equation of a Line

Lines are extremely important objects in mathematics, so they are heavily studied and have many different
ways in which we can represent them. Suppose we have a line L which contains the point (x1 , y1 ) and
slope m. Then the Point-Slope Form for the equation of the line is the following:

y − y1 = m(x − x1 )

Alternatively, given a line’s slope m and y−intercept b, we can express its equation in Slope-Intercept
Form as follows:
y = mx + b

Problem. For each of (a), (b), and (c) above, express the lines in point-slope and slope-intercept form

1.3: Lines 3 of 6
Math-115 Chapter 1: Graphs and Functions Fall 2024

Special Types of Lines

Special Equations for Lines


- Horizontal lines through the point (x1 , y1 ) has equation
- Vertical lines through the point (x1 , y1 ) has equation

Definition. L1 is a line with slope m1 and L2 is a line with slope m2 .


We say that L1 and L2 are parallel if m1 = m2
We say that L1 and L2 are perpendicular if m1 m2 = −1
Furthermore: any two vertical lines are parallel, any two horizontal lines are parallel, and all vertical lines
are perpendicular to all horizontal lines

1.3: Lines 4 of 6
Math-115 Chapter 1: Graphs and Functions Fall 2024

Problem. Earlier we found the equation of the line between the points P (3, 3) and Q(4, 6). Find the
equation of the line parallel to this line which goes through the point (0, 0). Find the equation of the line
perpendicular to this line which goes through the point (3, 5).

Problem. Use the line found in (c) above. Find the equation of the line parallel to this line which goes
through the point (1, 1). Find the equation of the line perpendicular to this line which goes through the
point (3, 3).

1.3: Lines 5 of 6
Math-115 Chapter 1: Graphs and Functions Fall 2024

Example: (textbook problem 121) A famous band is considering playing a concert and charging $40, 000
plus $5 per person attending the concert. Write an equation relating the income y of the band to the
number x of people attending the concert. Draw the graph of this equation below.

1.3: Lines 6 of 6

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