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

5802 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Differentiate the equation 3x^4+6x^2-7x+2


-8x + 7 > 5x + 2


There are 300 passengers on a plane, 7/20 of them are men, 30% are women, the rest are children. Work out the number of children.


Ayo is 7 years older than Hugo. Mel is twice as old as Ayo. The sum of their three ages is 77 Find the ratio of Hugo's age to Ayo's age to Mel's age.


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning