Chapter 1

THE STRAIGHT LINE

This chapter entails knowledge on basic algebra and basic concepts of

geometry. It commences with the definitions of some terms that you may
probably encountered in your general mathematics course, specifically
topics concerning equations of the first-degree, both in x and y variables.
Since your field of endeavors focus on business and economics, at the
end of this chapter, you will be able to grasp thoughts on the various and
tactical applications of the linear equations in your chosen career.

The Distance between Two Points

The first postulate in geometry taught us that the shortest distance
between two points is a line. However, measuring such line requires you
understanding on its orientation. When a line segment is measured in a
certain direction, then the segment is known to be a 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑔𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡.
For instance, you assume that between two points A and B, you need 5 paces.
Then you may say that the segment from A to B is +5; and reversing the
orientation, start at B going to A, the measurement becomes – 5.
Now, let us derive the formula to use in finding the distance between
two given coordinate points, 𝐴 (x1, y1) and 𝐵 (x2, y2).

In your intermediate algebra, you

have learned that for any right
triangle, the square of the longest
side (ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒) is equal to the
sum of the squares of the other sides
(the 𝑙𝑒𝑔𝑠). This is known as the
𝑃𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑚.
Let the distance between these
points, variable 𝑑, then

𝒅 = √(𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙𝟏 )𝟐 + (𝒚𝟐 − 𝒚𝟏 )𝟐 𝐹𝑖𝑔𝑢𝑟𝑒 1

Illustration 1.
Find the distance between the points (−5, 8) and (5, 12).

Solution:

𝑑 = √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2

= √(5 − (−5))2 + (12 − 8)2 = √(10)2 + (4)2

= √116 = 2√29

The distance between the given points is 𝟐√𝟐𝟗 units.

Illustration 2.
Show that P1 (−3, 1), P2 (3, −1), and P3 (1, 3) are the vertices of an
isosceles triangle.

Solution:
An isosceles triangle is where two
of its sides are congruent. Let 𝑑1 , 𝑑2 ,
and 𝑑3 be the segment 𝑃1 𝑃2, 𝑃1 𝑃3, and
𝑃2 𝑃3, respectively. And with the use of
the distance formula, you will arrive at
the following computations:

𝑑1 = √(1 − (−3))2 + (3 − 1)2 = √20

𝑑2 = √(3 − (−3))2 + (−1 − 1)2 = √40 and 𝑑3 = √(3 − 1)2 + (−1 − 3)2
= √20
Since ̅̅̅̅̅̅
𝑃1 𝑃2 = ̅̅̅̅̅̅
𝑃2 𝑃3 then the given points are the vertices of an isosceles
triangle.
Illustration 3.
The point (5, 𝑦) is √17 units from (6, 2). Find y.

Solution:

𝑑 = √(6 − 5)2 + (𝑦 − 2)2 but 𝑑 = √17

√17 = √(1)2 + (𝑦 − 2)2 Squaring both sides.

17 = 1 + (𝑦 − 2)2 Simplify the expression.

17 = 1 + 𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 + 4
𝑦 2 – 4𝑦 – 12 = 0 Factor the quadratic expression
(𝑦 – 6) (𝑦 + 2) = 0 Set each factor to zero.

The value of y can either be +𝟔 or – 𝟐.

Illustration 4.
The abscissa of a point is two-fifths of its ordinate. Find the point if it is
5 units from (−2, 2).

Solution:

Given 𝑝𝑡 𝐴 with coordinates (𝑥, 𝑦), the x-coordinate is also commonly

termed as the 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑎, and the y-coordinate value as the 𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒.
2
Now, define 𝑦 to be ordinate of the point and 𝑥 = 𝑦 be the abscissa.
5
2
The points are respectively ( 𝑦, 𝑦) and (−2, 2).
5

2 2
𝑑 = √( 𝑦 − (−2)) + (𝑦 − 2)2 but 𝑑 = 5
5

4 8
5= √(25 𝑦 2 + 5 𝑦 + 4) + (𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 + 4) Squaring both sides.

4 8
25 = ( 𝑦2 + 𝑦 + 4) + (𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 + 4) Multiply 25 both sides.
25 5

625 = 4 𝑦 2 + 40 𝑦 + 100 + 25 𝑦 2 − 100 𝑦 + 100

29𝑦 2 – 60𝑦 + 200 = 625 Change to general form
 29𝑦 2 – 60𝑦 – 425 = 0 Factor the quadratic expression
(29𝑦 + 85) (𝑦 − 5) = 0 Set each factor to zero.

85 85
The value of 𝑦 can either be +5 or – . When y = – , Then 𝑥 =
29 29
2 85 34 2
(5) (– 29 ) = − 29 and when 𝑦 = 5 then 𝑥 = (5) (5) = 2.

Thus, the points that is 5 units from (−2, 2), whose abscissa is two-fifths of
𝟑𝟒 𝟖𝟓
its ordinate, are (− , − 𝟐𝟗) or (𝟐, 𝟓).
𝟐𝟗

Set 1 Exercises.
Answer the following question.

1. Find the distance between the given pair of points:

a. (11.2, 5.9) and the origin
5 7
b. (−2, ) and (1, − )
2 2
5 3 5
c. (− , − ) and (4, − )
8 7 21
d. (0, √3) and (−3, 2√3)

2. What are the coordinates of the point 3 units from the y-axis and at
distance √65 from (−5, 8)?
Ans. (3, 7) or (3,9)

3. Find the point on the y-axis that is equidistant from (5, 1) and
(−3, −1).
Ans. (0,4)

4. The ordinate of a point which is √17 units from (3, −2) is thrice its
abscissa. Find the point.
5. Show that the line through (−7, −3), (9, 1) and (13, 2) lie on a
straight line.
6. Show that the points (−2, 5), (−2, −1), and (4, −1) all lie on a circle
whose center is at (1, 2).
Inclination and Slope
When a line passes through another line, the lines is said to intersect
each other. If the line intersects at the midpoint of another line, then the
former line is a 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑏𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 of the latter. The smallest positive angle that a
line makes with a positive 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 is called its 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 (or
simply, 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, ∝).
The 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒, denoted by the symbol 𝑚, of a line is equal to the tangent of
the angle of inclination. Mathematically,
𝒎 = 𝒕𝒂𝒏 ∝
The slope of a line parallel to the x-axis is zero. For 0° < ∝ < 90° , the
slope is positive; and for 90° < ∝ < 180°, the slope is negative. When ∝ =
90°; that is, the line is parallel to the y-axis, the slope is undefined.
In terms of coordinates, in reference to Figure 1,
𝒚𝟐 − 𝒚𝟏
𝒎 = 𝒕𝒂𝒏 ∝ =
𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙𝟏

Illustration 5.
Find the slope of the line joining the given pair of points.
a) (−10, 7) and (5, −3).
5 3 7 9
b) (− , ) and (− , )
2 2 2 2

Solution:

𝑦2 − 𝑦1 −3 − 7 10 𝟐
a) 𝑚 = = = − 15 = − 𝟑
𝑥2 − 𝑥1 5 −(−10)
9 3 6
𝑦2 − 𝑦1 − 3
2 2 2
b) 𝑚 = = 7 5 = 2 = − = −𝟑
𝑥2 − 𝑥1 −2 −(−2) −2 1
Illustration 6.
Determine 𝑥 so that P1 (𝑥, 5), P2 (1, −2), and P3 (3, −4) will lie on a
straight line.

Solution:

Note that the slope of any given two points along a line will always
be equal. Hence, the slope of line P1P2 is equal to the slope of line P2P3.

5 − (−2) −4− (−2)

= Simplify the rational fraction.
𝑥−1 3−1

7 2
= − = −1 Cross multiply and simplify.
𝑥−1 2

7 = −(𝑥 – 1) = 1 – 𝑥

Finally, 𝑥 = 1 − 7 = −𝟔.

Illustration 7.
3
A line with slope – passes through (−5, 4). If the abscissa of the point
4
on the line is 13, what is its ordinate?

Solution:

Let y be the ordinate of the point whose abscissa is 13.

𝑦−4 3
= −4 Simplify the rational fraction.
13 −(−5)
𝑦−4 3
= − Cross multiply.
18 4

4(𝑦 − 4) = −3(18) = – 54 Simplify.

4 𝑦 − 16 = −54
4𝑦 = −38 Divide by 4.

𝟑𝟖 𝟏𝟗
Finally, 𝒚 = − = −
𝟒 𝟐
Illustration 8.
Show by slope formula that the points (5, 3), (−8, −5), (−2, −8), and
(7, 2) form a trapezoid.
Solution:

A trapezoid is a quadrilateral
with one pair of parallel lines. Two
lines are parallel if their slopes are
equal. That is, 𝒎𝟏 = 𝒎𝟐 .
3 −(−5) 2
𝑚 (𝑃1 𝑃2 ) = =
5−(−8) 3

−8 −(−5) 3 1
𝑚 (𝑃2 𝑃3 ) = = − =−
−2 −(−8) 6 2
3 −(−8) 11 3−2 1
𝑚 (𝑃3 𝑃4 ) = = 𝑚 (𝑃4 𝑃1 ) = = −
5−(−2) 7 5−7 2

Since the slopes of lines 𝑃2 𝑃3 and 𝑃4 𝑃1 are equal, then the lines are
parallel. Therefore, the given points from a trapezoid.

Illustration 9.
Show by slope formula that the line joining (8, −4), (5, −1), and
(−2, −8) form a right triangle.

Solution:

A right triangle is where two

sides of it intersects to from a 90,
making lines to be perpendicular.
Two lines are perpendicular if their
slopes are negative reciprocals. That
is,
𝟏
𝒎𝟏 = − .
𝒎𝟐
−1 −(−4) 3 −8 −(−1) 7
𝑚 (𝑃1 𝑃2 ) = = − 3 = −1 𝑚 (𝑃2 𝑃3 ) = = = 1
5− 8 −2 − 5 7
 Since the slopes of lines 𝑃1 𝑃2 and 𝑃2 𝑃3 are negative reciprocals, then
the lines are perpendicular. Thus, the given points from a right triangle.

Set 2 Exercises.
Answer the following question.

1. Find the slope joining the given pair of points:

a) (−3.2, 5.8) and (2.9, −3.7)
7 11 5 17
b) ( , − ) and (− 4 , 4 )
3 3
3 4 7
c) (− , ) and (8, − )
5 9 15

2. The three vertices of a triangle are at 𝐴 (−3, 5), 𝐵 (2, 2), and 𝐶 (8, 9).
Show that the line joining midpoints of the sides 𝐴𝐶 and 𝐵𝐶 is
parallel and equal to one-half of 𝐴𝐵. 𝐻𝑖𝑛𝑡: The midpoint of a line
segment is a point that divides the segment into two equal parts.
3. A line through (−2, 𝑦) and (2, −10) is perpendicular to a line
through (−3, −7) and (5, −5). Find 𝑦.
4. A line through (−6, −7) and (𝑥, 7) is parallel to a line through (1, −4)
and (−5, 2). Find 𝑥.
13
5. If a straight line has a slope of − and passes through (3, 4). Find
5
the abscissa of the point on it that has ordinate −11.

Show by slope formula that the points (−9, −1), (−5, −3), (5, 7), and (3, 11)
is an isosceles trapezoid. 𝐻𝑖𝑛𝑡: An isosceles trapezoid is quadrilateral with
one pair of parallel sides (the 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑠) an whose bases are perpendicular to
one of the adjacent sides.

Division of Line Segment

A line segment may be divided

internally (when the point of division is on
the line segment) or externally (when the
point of division lies on the extension)
 𝑃1 𝑃 𝑟1
Let the ratio = .
𝑃𝑃2 𝑟2

𝑃1 𝑃 𝑟1 𝑥 −𝑥1
By proportion, = = . Simplifying,
𝑃𝑃2 𝑟2 𝑥2 − 𝑥

𝑟1 𝑥2 + 𝑟2 𝑥1 𝑟1 𝑦2 + 𝑟2 𝑦1
𝑥= and 𝑦 =
𝑟1 + 𝑟2 𝑟1 + 𝑟2

Illustration 10.
The line segment joining (−5, −3) and (3, 4) is to be divided into 5 equal
parts. Find the point of division closest to (−5, −3).

Solution:

𝑃1 𝑃 𝑟1 1
= =
𝑃𝑃2 𝑟2 4

Let 𝑟1 = 1 and 𝑟2 = 4; 𝑥1 = −5 and 𝑦1 = −3; 𝑥2 = 3 and 𝑦2 = 4.

𝑟1 𝑥2 + 𝑟2 𝑥1 (1)(3) +(4)(−5) 𝟏𝟕
𝑥= = =−
𝑟1 + 𝑟2 1+4 𝟓

𝑟1 𝑦2 + 𝑟2 𝑦1 (1)(4) +(4)(−3) 𝟖
𝑦= = =−
𝑟1 + 𝑟2 1+4 𝟓

Illustration 11.
The line segment joining (1, 4) to (2, 1) is extended a distance equal to
twice its length. Find the terminal point.

Solution:

𝑃1 𝑃 𝑟1 −3
= =
𝑃𝑃2 𝑟2 2

Let 𝑟1 = −3 and 𝑟2 = 2; 𝑥1 = 1 and 𝑦1 = 4; 𝑥2 = 2 and 𝑦2 = 1.

 𝑟1 𝑥2 + 𝑟2 𝑥1 (−3)(1) +(2)(1)
𝑥= = =𝟒
𝑟1 + 𝑟2 −3 + 2

𝑟1 𝑦2 + 𝑟2 𝑦1 (−3)(1) +(2)(4)
𝑦= = = −𝟓
𝑟1 + 𝑟2 −3 + 2

Set 3 Exercises.
Answer the following question.

1. Find the midpoint of the line joining (−3, −4) and (−8, 7).
2. Find the point which divided the segment from (−5, −4) to (6, −2)
in the ratio 3: 7.
3. Find the trisection points of the line joining (−6, 2) and (3, 8).
4. The segment joining (1, −3) and (4, −6) is extended a distance equal
4
to of its own length. Find the terminal point.
5

5. A circle has its center at (3, −2) and one end of the diameter at (7, 2).
Find the other end of the diameter.
6. What are the lengths of the segments into which the y-axis divides
the segment joining (−6, −6) and (3, 6)?
7. In what ratio does (−5, 6) divide the line segment joining (−9, −10)
and (7, 6)?
8. The point (−3, −4) divides the line joining 𝐴 (−6, −7) and 𝐵 in the
ratio 1: 3. Find the coordinates of 𝐵.

General Equation of a Line

The general equation of the first degree, both in 𝑥 and 𝑦, is of the form
𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 + 𝐶 = 0
Consider the following equations:
1. 5𝑥 – 2𝑦 = 3
2. 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥𝑦 − 𝑦 2 = 0
3. 2.5𝑥 – 4 = 3𝑦
 4. 5 𝑙𝑛 𝑥 – 2 𝑒 𝑥 – 3 = 0
5. (3𝑥 − 5)2 – 9𝑥(𝑥 + 1) = 4
6. 𝑥 − √3 y + √7 = 0

Equations (2) and (4), though they are in their general form, are non-
linear equations. Equations (1) and (3), thought they are linear in both
variables x and y, are not expressed in the general form. Equation (5) may
be, at first glance, is nonlinear of degree 2, but when simplified, can lead to
a linear equation. Only equation (6) is a linear equation in general form.

Lines Parallel to the Coordinate Axes

If a straight line is parallel to the 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠, then its equation is

𝒙 = 𝒙𝟏
and if the line is parallel to the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠, its equation is
𝒚 = 𝒚𝟏

Illustration 12.
Find the equations of the line through
a) point (−9, −13) and is parallel to the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠; and
3 4
b) point (7 , 11 ) and is parallel to the 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠.
5 7

Solution:

a) Since the line is parallel to the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠, you only need the
ordinate of the point. Thus, the equation is 𝒚 = −𝟏𝟑 or in
general form 𝒚 + 𝟏𝟑 = 𝟎.
b) Change the fractions to improper form; that is, the point is
38 81
( 5 , 7 ). This time, you only need the abscissa of the given point
since the line is parallel to the 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠. Thus, the equation is
𝟑𝟖
𝒙 = or in general form 𝟓𝒙 − 𝟑𝟖 = 𝟎.
𝟓
 If the linear equation, both in 𝑥 and 𝑦 is not expressed in the general
form, then the equation can either be one of the following standard forms:
1. Point-slope Form: 𝑦 – 𝑦1 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥1 ).
𝑦2 − 𝑦1
2. Two-point Form: 𝑦 – 𝑦1 = (𝑥 − 𝑥1 ).
𝑥2 − 𝑥 1

3. Point-intercept Form: 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏.
𝑥 𝑦
4. Intercept Form: + = 1
𝑎 𝑏

First Standard Equation of a Line – The Point-Slope Form

Recall the formula for the slope of a line. You learned that along a line,
any two set of points on it, have the same slope. Suppose that there are two
given points, 𝑃1 (𝑥, 𝑦) and 𝑃2 (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ), then solving for the slope of the line
which passes through 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 , you will get
𝑦 − 𝑦1
𝑚 =
𝑥 − 𝑥1

Simplifying the equation, by cross-multiplication, then you will obtain the

first standard form of a line – the point-slope form
𝑦 – 𝑦1 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥1 ).
Illustration 13.
Find the general equation of the line
4
a) passing through (11, −6) and slope − ;
9
b) passing through (4, −7) and perpendicular to the line through
(9, −1) and (3, −3); and
c) passing through (−2, 9) and parallel to the line through (−4, 4)
and (8, −5)?
Solution:
a) Using the slope-point formula,
𝑦 – 𝑦1 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥1 ), then
4
𝑦 – (−6) = − (𝑥 – 11)
9

Simplifying,
 9𝑦 + 54 = −4 (𝑥 – 11)
9𝑦 + 54 = −4𝑥 + 44

Finally, the equation of the line which passes through (11, −6)
4
and with slope − is 4𝑥 + 9𝑦 = −10 or in the general form, 4𝑥 +
9
9𝑦 + 10 = 0.

b) You solve first for the slope of

the line passing through
(9, −1) and (3, −3).

−3 −(−1) 2 1
𝑚 = = =
3−9 6 3

And since the said line is

perpendicular to the line which
passes through (4, −7), you
need next to solve for the slope of this second line. By definition of
perpendicular lines, its slope must be negative reciprocal of the slope
of the first line. Thus, 𝑚2 = − 3. Now, use the slope-point formula,

𝑦 − (−7) = −3 (𝑥 – 4) Simplify the equation.

𝑦 + 7 = −3𝑥 + 12
Finally, the equation of the line which passes through
(4, −7) and with slope −3 is 𝟑𝒙 + 𝒚 = 𝟓 or in the general form,
𝟑𝒙 + 𝒚 − 𝟓 = 𝟎.

c) You solve first for the slope of the

line passing through (−4, 4) and
(8, −5).

−5 − 4 9 3
𝑚 = =− =−
8 −(−4) 12 4

And since the said line is

parallel to the line which passes
 through (−2, 9), you need next to solve for the slope of this second
line. By definition of parallel lines, its slope must be equal to the slope
3
of the first line. Thus, 𝑚2 = − .
4
Now, use the slope-point formula,

3
𝑦 − 9 = − (𝑥 – (−2)) Simplify the equation.
4

4𝑦 − 36 = −3𝑥 − 6
Finally, the equation of the line which passes through
3
(−2, 9) and with slope − is 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟒𝒚 = 𝟑𝟎 or in the general
4
form, 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟒 𝒚 − 𝟑𝟎 = 𝟎.

Second Standard Equation of a Line – The Two-Point Form

If the slope of a line is not clearly defined, however, there are available
two given points, then you solve for the slope of the line passing through
these points. Once the slope is known, you may now use the slope-point form
by choosing any of the given points as your reference point.
Notice that Example (2b) and (2c) may be consider as a good example
of this form. The formula of the second standard equation of a line is
𝑦2 − 𝑦1
𝑦 – 𝑦1 = (𝑥 − 𝑥1 ).
𝑥 2 − 𝑥1

Third Standard Equation of a Line –The Slope-Intercept Form

Suppose that there are two given points, 𝑃1 (𝑥, 𝑦) and 𝑃2 (0, 𝑏), then
solving for the slope of the line which passes through 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 , you will get
𝑦−𝑏
𝑚 =
𝑥−0
Simplifying the equation, by cross-multiplication, then you will obtain the
third standard form of a line – the slope-intercept form
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏.
An intercept is a point that lies directly on any of the coordinate axes. In the
above formula, 𝑏 is the y-intercept.

Illustration 14.
Find the general equation of the line
14
a) whose y-intercept is −11 and whose slope ;
3
b) passing through (1, −5) and is parallel to the line
5𝑥 – 9𝑦 – 12 = 0; and
c) passing through (−3, −11) and is perpendicular to the line
6𝑥 – 8𝑦 – 7 = 0.

Solution:

a) Just plot the given values to the slope-intercept form of a line

formula,
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏
14
𝑦 = 𝑥 + (−11) Multiply both sides by 3 and simplify.
3

3y = 14x - 33
Finally, the equation of the line is 𝟏𝟒𝒙 − 𝟑𝒚 = 𝟑𝟑 or in the
general form, 𝟏𝟒𝒙 − 𝟑 𝒚 − 𝟑𝟑 = 𝟎.

b) You solve first for the slope of the line 5𝑥 – 9𝑦 – 12 = 0 by

reducing the equation to the slope-intercept form.

5𝑥 – 9𝑦 – 12 = 0 Transpose x- and constant term to the right.

−9𝑦 = −5𝑥 + 12 Divide the equation by −9.

5 12
𝑦 = 𝑦 − Reduce the constant term to the simplest form.
9 9
5 4
𝑦 = 𝑦–
9 3

By definition of slope-intercept form of a line formula, the slope

5
of the line 5𝑥 – 9𝑦 – 12 = 0 is .
9
 You can now use the slope-point formula; and since the line
which passes through (1, −5) is parallel to the equation
5𝑥 – 9𝑦 – 12 = 0 , their slopes must be equal.
5
𝑦 − (−5) = (𝑥 − 1) Simplify the equation.
9

9𝑦 + 45 = 5𝑥 − 5
Finally, the equation of the line which passes through (1, −5) is
𝟓𝒙 − 𝟗𝒚 = 𝟓𝟎 or in the general form, 𝟓𝒙 − 𝟗𝒚 − 𝟓𝟎 = 𝟎.

Have you notice the equation of the two lines? Is their x- and y-
terms identical? Yes, if two linear equations have identical x- and y-
coefficients, the lines are parallel .

𝑨𝒙 + 𝑩𝒚 + 𝑪𝟏 = 𝟎 is parallel to 𝑨𝒙 + 𝑩𝒚 + 𝑪𝟐 = 𝟎.

Let us resolve the same problem, applying the concept that we

had generalized. The equation of the line which passes
through(1, −5) and is parallel to the equation 5𝑥 – 9𝑦 – 12 = 0 is

𝟓𝒙 − 𝟗𝒚 = 𝟓(𝟏) − 𝟗(−𝟓) = 50

c) You solve first for the slope of the line 6𝑥 – 8𝑦 – 7 = 0 by

reducing the equation to the slope-intercept form.

6𝑥 − 8𝑦 − 7 = 0 Transpose x- and constant term to the right.

−8𝑦 = −6𝑥 + 7 Divide the equation by −8.

6 7
𝑦 = 𝑥 − Reduce the x-term to the simplest form.
8 8
3 7
𝑦 = 𝑦–
4 8

By definition of slope-intercept form of a line formula, the slope

3
of the line 6𝑥 − 8𝑦 − 7 = 0 is .
4

You can now use the slope-point formula; and since the line
which passes through (−3, −11) is perpendicular to the equation
 6𝑥 − 8𝑦 − 7 = 0 , their slopes must be negative reciprocals. Thus,
4
𝑚2 = − 3
4
𝑦 − (−11) = − (𝑥 − (−3)) Simplify the equation.
3

3𝑦 + 33 = −4𝑥 − 12
Finally, the equation of the line which passes through(−3, −11)
is 𝟒𝒙 + 𝟑𝒚 = −𝟒𝟓 or in the general form, 𝟒𝒙 + 𝟑𝒚 + 𝟒𝟓 = 𝟎.

If we multiply the obtained equation by 2, the result is 8𝑥 +

6𝑦 = −90. What have you notice with the two equations of the
lines? Is their x- and y-terms reciprocating? If in two linear
equations the x-coefficients of the first is equal to the y-coefficient
of the second and the y-coefficient of the first is numerically equal
but of opposite sign to the x-coefficient of the second, or vice-versa,
the lines represented are perpendicular to each other .

𝑨𝒙 + 𝑩𝒚 + 𝑪𝟏 = 𝟎 is perpendicular to ± 𝑩𝒙 ∓ 𝑨𝒚 + 𝑪𝟑 = 𝟎.

Let us resolve the same problem, applying the concept that we

had generalized. The equation of the line which passes
through(−3, −11) and is perpendicular to the equation 6𝑥 − 8𝑦 −
7 = 0 is

−8𝑥 − 6𝑦 = −8(−3) − 6(−11) = 90 Divide by −2.

𝟒𝒙 + 𝟑𝒚 = −𝟒𝟓 or 𝟒𝒙 + 𝟑𝒚 + 𝟒𝟓 = 𝟎.

Fourth Standard Equation of a Line –The Intercept Form

Suppose that there are two given points, 𝑃1 (𝑎, 0) and 𝑃2 (0, 𝑏), then
solving for the slope of the line which passes through 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 , you will get
0−𝑏 𝑏
𝑚 = =−𝑎
𝑎−0
Simplifying the equation, by substituting the slope value to the slope-
intercept form formula, then you will obtain the fourth standard form of a
line – the intercept form
 𝑏
𝑦 = − 𝑎 𝑥 + 𝑏. Multiply both sides by 𝑎.

𝑎𝑦 = −𝑏𝑥 + 𝑎𝑏 Transpose 𝑏𝑥 the left.

𝑏𝑥 + 𝑎𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 Divide both sides by 𝑎𝑏.

𝒙 𝒚
+ = 𝟏
𝒂 𝒃

Illustration 15.
Find the general equation of the line whose
a) x-intercept is −11 and whose y-intercept is 8; and
9 7
b) x-intercept is and whose y-intercept is − 3.
4

Solution:

𝑥 𝑦
a) Substitute the given to the formula + = 1
𝑎 𝑏
𝑥 𝑦
+ = 1 Multiply both sides by −88.
−11 8
𝟖𝒙 – 𝟏𝟏𝒚 = −𝟖𝟖, or in general from, 𝟖𝒙 – 𝟏𝟏𝒚 + 𝟖𝟖 = 𝟎.
b) Use the same formula to solve this problem.

𝑥 𝑦
9 + 7= 1 Simplify each fraction to simplest form. Recall that a
−3
4
divided by b/c equals ac/b.

4𝑥 3𝑦
− = 1 Multiply both sides by 63.
9 7
𝟐𝟖𝒙 – 𝟐𝟕𝒚 = 𝟔𝟑, or in general from, 2𝟖𝒙 – 𝟐𝟕𝒚 – 𝟔𝟑 = 𝟎.

Illustration 16.
Reduce 7𝑥 − 13𝑦 – 22 = 0 to the intercept form.
 Solution:

7𝑥 − 13𝑦 – 22 = 0 Transpose constant term to the right.

7𝑥 − 13 𝑦 = 22 Divide the equation by 22.

7𝑥 13𝑦
− = 1 Make sure that the coefficient of both variables in the
22 22
numerator must be 1 and the terms must be separated
by + sign.
𝒙 𝒚
𝟐𝟐 + 𝟐𝟐 = 𝟏
𝟕
−𝟏𝟑

Illustration 17.
A line passes through (−4, −9) and has its intercepts numerically qual
but of opposite signs. Ind its equation.

Solution:

Let us defined the x-intercept and the y-intercept as 𝑎 and – 𝑎,

respectively. The intercept form becomes

𝑥 𝑦
+ = 1 But (𝑥, 𝑦) = (−4, −9). Substitute these values.
𝑎 −𝑎

−4 −9
+ = 1 Multiply both sides by −𝑎.
𝑎 −𝑎

4 − 9 = −𝑎 Simplify.

Finally, the value of 𝑎 is 5. Then use this value to the initial equation.

𝑥 𝑦
+ = 1 Multiply both sides by 5.
5 −5

𝒙 – 𝒚 = 𝟓, or in general from, 𝒙 – 𝒚 − 𝟓 = 𝟎.
Set 4 Exercises.
Answer the following question.

1. Which of the following are linear equations expressed in the general

form?
a. 30𝑥 – 25𝑦 = 5𝑥𝑦
b. 𝑥 3 + 𝑦 3 = 0
c. 2.5𝑥 – 4 = 3𝑦
d. 5 cos 𝑥 – 2𝑥 – 3 = 0
e. (2𝑥 − 3)2 – 2𝑥(2𝑥 − 3) = 0
f. 2.5𝑥 − 8.22y + 13.71 = 0
2. Find the equation of the line
a. through the origin whose slope is −12;
b. which passes through (4, −8) and whose y-intercept = −5;
c. which passes through points (−9, 11) and (7, −8);
6
d. whose intercepts are 𝑎 = − 5 and 𝑏 = −4;
3
e. with slope 5:3 and whose x-intercept = ;
11
f. parallel to the y-axis and passing through (1.25, 4.75).
3. Reduce the equation 17𝑦 – 15𝑥 + 255 = 0 to the (a) slope-
intercept form; and (b) intercept form.
4. Find the equation of the line which passes through (0, 2.5) and is
parallel to the line 7x – 11y = 0.
5. Find the equation of the perpendicular bisector of the line joining
(5, 2) and (−7, −3).
6. Find the equation of the line with slope −4 and passing through the
point of intersection of the lines 𝑥 + 6𝑦 – 4 = 0 and 3𝑥 – 4𝑦 +
2 = 0. Hint: The point of intersection of two lines may be obtained
by solving their equations simultaneously.
7. A right triangle has its right angle at (−4, 4) and the equation of one
of its legs is 5𝑥 – 3𝑦 + 45 = 0. Find the equation of the other leg.
8. What is the equation of the line through (−7, 4) with the x-intercept
half the y-intercept?
 9. Show that the circle can be drawn touching the line 3𝑥 + 𝑦 – 6 = 0
at (3, 3) and touching the line 3𝑥 + 𝑦 + 2 = 0 at (6, 2).
10. What is the equation of the line through (−2, 5) and whose segment
intercepted between the axes in the second quadrant is 7 √2?

Distance from a Line to a Point

Let the given line have the equation 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 + 𝐶 = 0 and the given point
be 𝑃1 (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ). The normal form of 𝑙 is
𝐴 𝐵 −𝐶
𝑥 + 𝑦=
± √𝐴2 +𝐵2 ± √𝐴2 +𝐵2 ± √𝐴2 +𝐵2

The equation of the line parallel to 𝑙 which passes through 𝑃1 (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) is

𝐴 𝐵 𝐴 𝑥1 +𝐵 𝑦1
𝑥 + 𝑦=
± √𝐴2 +𝐵2 ± √𝐴2 +𝐵2 ± √𝐴2 +𝐵2

The distance between the two lines, which is also the distance from the line
𝑙 to the point 𝑃1 (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) is equal to the difference between the distances of
the two lines from the origin.

𝐴 𝑥1 +𝐵 𝑦1 +𝐶
𝑑=
± √𝐴2 +𝐵2

Illustration 18.
Find the distance of the point (6, −3) from the line 2x – y + 4 = 0.

Solution:

2 (6)+(−1)(−3) + 4 𝟏𝟗 √𝟓
𝑑= = −
− √(2)2 +(−1)2 𝟓

Note that the sign for the radical follows the sign of B.
Set 5 - Try this one!
Answer the following question.

1. Find the distance of the line

a. 3𝑥 + 7𝑦 + 12 = 0 to (6, −7)
b. 𝑥 + 4𝑦 − 7 = 0 to (−5, 4)
c. 2𝑥 − 𝑦 + 4 = 0 to (2, 8)
2. The distance from a line to (6, 2) is 3 units. The line is perpendicular
to 4x + 3y + 8 = 0. Find its equation.