Math Is Fun Forum

renevanderlende

Member

From: The Netherlands

Registered: 2020-01-06

Posts: 39

Find shortest equation to construct y=mx+b

Hi All,

I frequently use linear equation y=mx+b to size objects in online webpages (font size, height, width, spacing, etc.)
This works like a charm and I am very glad I found its explanation on 'MathIsFun' a few years back.

No I am wondering what the shortest equation is to get y when p1(x1,y1) p2(x2,y2) and x are always known.

I am currently using

Is there even a shorter way to get m and b?

Last edited by renevanderlende (2020-04-20 05:05:42)

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Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,619

Re: Find shortest equation to construct y=mx+b

That looks as good as any.  There is another way to get the equation from the points but it comes to the same thing in the end:

or by re-arranging

In the end you'll be doing the same calculations so it's probably safer to stick with what you know.

You can also use this:

https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/line … oints.html 

and this one will work with any numbers:

https://www.mathportal.org/calculators/ … ulator.php

Bob

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Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob

renevanderlende

Member

From: The Netherlands

Registered: 2020-01-06

Posts: 39

Re: Find shortest equation to construct y=mx+b

Yeah, Bob,

Seeing the formula I had posted I already got the feeling there was little room for improvement.
Thank you however, for confirming as I was not sure. Much appreciated!!

Will visit the suggested pages.

Cheers, Rene

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My intro on 'mathisfun forum'...