How do I find the equation of a line connecting points a(p,q) and b(r,s)?

First we need to find the gradient of the line connecting points a and b:
gradient m = (change in y)/(change in x) = (q - s)/(p -r)

Now we use the following equation:

y - y1 = m(x - x1)

substituting suitable values for (x1, y1) (can be points a or b but we'll use point a this time) and m (calculated above):

Using point a:

y - q = [(q-s)/(p-r)](x - p)

and so the equation in the form y = f(x) is:
y = [(q-s)/(p-r)]x + (q-s)/(p-r) + q

CW
Answered by Chris W. Maths tutor

6283 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Work out the value of x and y in the parallelogram ABCD.


8 pens in a bag, 3 blue, 5 red. 2 taken out at random, without replacement. Probability they are the same colour?


Find the centre and radius of the circle with equation: x^2 + y^2 -4x +8y = 5, and determine whether the point (7,-4) lies on the circle.


f(x) = (x + 1)^2 and g(x) = 2(x - 1) Show that gf(x) = 2x(x + 2)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning