y-y1 = m(x-x1), where (x1, y1) are the coordinates of one of your points (choose whichever you like, they’ll both give you the same answer). The x and y stay as letters in the equation.

If necessary, you can get the equation in y=mx + b form, where b = y1 – mx1

The first step is to find the slope

Slope = change in y / change in x, you may have seen this as (y2-y1)/(x2-x1)

Slope= (8- -6) / (-3 -4)

Slope = (14) / (-7)

Slope = -2

Next, you need to plug the numbers into the slope intercept formula: y = mx + b

m stands for the slope and b stands for the y-intercept

Right now we only know the slope, so it is all we can plug in:

y = mx + b

y = -2x + b

The next step is to pick either of our original points and plug in the values of x and y. We then will solve for b (either point works, they will both give you the same answer at the end)

y = -2x + b

-6 = (-2)(4) + b

-6 = -8 + b add 8 to both sides

2 = b

You know have all the information you need. Go back to the slope intercept formula (y = mx + b) and plug in the values of m and b. Therefore the equation of the line going through the points (4, -6) and (-3, 8) is:

y = -2x + 2

Slope is one of the most important topics in math and will follow you throughout your math career. Take the time now to make sure you understand it (you will be glad you did!). Your teacher should be able to help you out if you need it. Good luck!

Assuming your using Y = mx + b where m is the “slope” and b is the Y-intercept:

what you want to do first is find m. to do this: (y2-y1)/(x2-x1). for you this is (8-(-7))/((-2)-1) which is -5.

Now you know that Y= (-5)x + b. To get b, you sub in a point that you know is on the line. Luckily, you already have two.

So subbing in (-2,8): 8 = (-5)(-2) + b

rearranging and simplifying: 8 – 10 = b = (-2)

Therefore Y = (-5)x – 2

This only works if they ask for a linear equation as opposed to a quadratic or higher order equations. Hope this helps.

Go to the above web site and practice some. It’s a great place to learn this slope and intercept stuff. It show in detail how to solve your problem by letting you put in your own values. Learn this..you’ll use it throughout your math classes.