For a straight line in the Cartesian plane

MATHEMATICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Mathematics · Straight Lines · Straight Lines

Problem

For a straight line in the Cartesian plane, answer the following: (i) Write the equation of the line when its slope is mm and it passes through a fixed point (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1). Express the answer in the appropriate form. (ii) Rewrite the same equation obtained in part (i) so that yy is expressed explicitly in terms of xx. Hence, show that the constant term can be written as c=y1−mx1c = y_1 - m x_1. (iii) Give a brief geometrical explanation of why specifying one point on the plane together with the slope is sufficient to determine a unique straight line.

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