Math

Point-slope form.

Definition

A form of a linear equation that uses a known point (x₁, y₁) and the slope m to write the equation of a line. It is especially useful when you know the slope and one point but not the y-intercept.

Examples

Real-world.

  • 1 A line through (2, 3) with slope 4: y - 3 = 4(x - 2)
  • 2 Writing the equation of a tangent line in calculus
  • 3 Finding a line through (1, -5) with slope -2: y + 5 = -2(x - 1)
Key Fact

y - y₁ = m(x - x₁)

Studied in

1 unit use this concept.