Grade 10 → Coordinate Geometry → Equation of a Line ↓
Two-Point Form
In coordinate geometry, one of the fundamental aspects is to understand how to derive the equation of a line. There are various forms of line equations, but among them, the “two-point form” is highly useful, especially when you know two points through which a line passes. This method allows you to derive the equation using only these two points.
Understanding the concept
The two-point form of the equation of a line helps you express the line algebraically. If you have two points on a line, say (x 1, y 1)
and (x 2, y 2)
, you can use them to find the equation of the line that connects these two points.
Mathematical formulas
The formula for the two-point form is derived from the concept of slope, which measures the steepness or inclination of a line. The slope m
of a line passing through two points (x 1, y 1)
and (x 2, y 2)
is calculated as follows:
M = (Y 2 - Y 1) / (X 2 - X 1)
Using this slope, the two-point form of the equation of the line is:
y - y 1 = m(x - x 1)
Substituting m
in the equation, we get:
y - y 1 = ((y 2 - y 1) / (x 2 - x 1))(x - x 1)
This is the two-point form of the equation of a line.
Example 1
Consider two points on a line: (2, 3)
and (4, 7)
We will use these points to find the equation of the line.
Step 1: Calculate the slope (m
)
m = (7 – 3) / (4 – 2) = 4 / 2 = 2
Step 2: Use the two-point form of the line equation with the point (2, 3)
:
y – 3 = 2(x – 2)
Step 3: Simplify the equation:
y – 3 = 2x – 4
Add 3 to both sides to solve for y
:
y = 2x – 1
Therefore, the equation of the line passing through the points (2, 3)
and (4, 7)
is y = 2x - 1
.
The line diagram given above shows the line passing through the points (2, 3)
and (4, 7)
marked on the Cartesian plane. The points are marked, and you can see the line that represents the equation y = 2x - 1
.
Example 2
Let's look at another example. Find the equation of the line passing through (-1, 5)
and (3, -1)
.
Step 1: Calculate the slope (m
)
m = (-1 - 5) / (3 - (-1)) = -6 / 4 = -3/2
Step 2: Use the two-point form of the line equation with the point (-1, 5)
:
y – 5 = (-3/2)(x + 1)
Step 3: Simplify the equation:
y – 5 = (-3/2)x – 3/2
Add 5 to both sides to solve for y
:
y = (-3/2)x + 7/2
Hence, the equation of the line passing through the points (-1, 5)
and (3, -1)
is y = (-3/2)x + 7/2
.
The line above shows a negative slope. The points (-1, 5)
and (3, -1)
are plotted, which shows the line described by y = (-3/2)x + 7/2
.
Why two-point form is useful
Two-point form is incredibly useful for many reasons. It provides a simple yet powerful way to understand and analyze lines. Whether you're working on graphing applications, solving systems of equations, or understanding geometric shapes, it provides a solid foundation for calculations. It helps you transform two known points directly into an equation that defines a consistent relationship throughout the graph.
Some of its useful applications are as follows:
- Forecasting trends using known data points in real-world scenarios, such as economics or physics.
- Modeling and understanding geometric shapes or designing graphs and charts.
- Simplifying complex functions and equations in mathematical problem-solving.
Important things to remember
- The points must be clear and distinct, otherwise the slope will be undefined.
- Make sure both points are accurate so that the required correct line can be drawn.
- This form can be converted into other forms, such as the slope-intercept form, which is especially useful for graphing and intercept calculations.
Conclusion
Two-point form is a simple method of finding the equation of a line when two points are known. Mastering this form significantly aids in understanding coordinate geometry, leading to stronger problem-solving abilities when dealing with linear relationships.