Finding the Equation of a Line Parallel to 2x 3y 6 and Passing Through (-2, 3)
Introduction to the Problem
Determining the equation of a line that is parallel to a given line and passes through a specific point is a fundamental concept in algebra and geometry. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, ensuring that you understand the underlying principles and can apply the method to similar problems.
Step 1: Converting to Slope-Intercept Form
To solve this problem, our first step is to convert the given line equation 2x 3y 6 into its slope-intercept form, y mx b, where m represents the slope and b is the y-intercept.
Equation: 2x 3y 6
Start by isolating y:
Step 1.1: Subtract 2x from both sides
3y -2x 6
Step 1.2: Divide by 3
y -frac{2}{3}x 2
From this equation, we can see that the slope (m) of the line is -frac{2}{3}.
Step 2: Using the Slope of a Parallel Line
Parallel lines have the same slope. Therefore, the line we need to find will also have a slope of -frac{2}{3}.
Step 3: Finding the Equation Using Point-Slope Form
The point-slope form of the equation of a line is given by:
Point-Slope Form: y - y_1 m(x - x_1)
Here, (x_1, y_1) is the given point (-2, 3) and m is the slope -frac{2}{3}.
Plugging in the Values
Substitute the point and the slope into the point-slope form:
Equation: y - 3 -frac{2}{3}(x 2)
Distribute the slope on the right-hand side:
Equation: y - 3 -frac{2}{3}x - frac{4}{3}
Add 3 to both sides to get the equation in slope-intercept form:
Equation: y -frac{2}{3}x - frac{4}{3} frac{9}{3}
Simplify the right-hand side:
Equation: y -frac{2}{3}x frac{5}{3}
Final Equation
The equation of the line that passes through the point (-2, 3) and is parallel to the line 2x 3y 6 is:
Final Equation: y -frac{2}{3}x frac{5}{3}
Conclusion
Understanding the process of finding the equation of a line parallel to a given line and passing through a specific point is crucial in both algebra and geometry. By mastering these techniques, you can solve a wide range of problems and apply the concept to more complex scenarios.