Learning Unit 2: THE STRAIGHT LINE

The equation linear in two variables

Ax + By + C = 0

is a straight line. This is the general form of the equation of a straight line. In this learning unit, we will
learn how to write the equation of a straight line. Also, we will use the distance from a line to a point to
be able to write the equations of straight lines parallel to or perpendicular to another line.

Lesson 1: The Standard Equation of a Straight Line

Objective:

At the end of the lesson, you must be able to write the equation of a straight line given:

a. The slope and a point on the line

b. Two points on the line
c. The slope and the y-intercept of the line
d. The intercepts of the line
e. The normal coordinates of a line

1.a The POINT-SLOPE Form

The slope (m) of the line and a point [P 1 (x1,y1)] on the line are given. To write the equation, deal with
the variable point P (x,y). Then use the definition of the slope of a line.

P(x,y)
•
• m
P1(x1,y1)

To write the equation of the line, we recall that the slope of the line is Δy/Δx. Thus,

y− y 1
m=
x−x 1
 y− y1 =m¿ )

Then, y= y1 +m( x−x 1 ). This is the point-slope form.

(My Tip: This form need not be memorized. Remember, this is derived from the definition of the slope
and using points P and P1.)

Example:

Write the equation of a straight line whose slope is -3 and passing through the point (-1,3).

Solution:

Using the definition of the slope and the moving point P(x,y) and P 1(-1,3),

y −3
−3=
x +1

y−3=−3( x+1)

y=3−3 x−3

y=−3 x

3 x+ y=0

(Note: The equation of the straight line MUST always be written in the GENERAL Form.)

Practice Drill 1:

2
Write the equation of the line whose slope is and passing through ( 5, -2 ).
3

Answer: 2x – 3y – 16 = 0

Practice Drill 2:

1
What is the equation of the line through (-3,-1) and having a slope - ?
5

Answer: x + 5y + 8 = 0