answersLogoWhite

0

For two main reasons.

The first reason is that, depending on the information that is available to you (two points, a point and slope, slope and intercept) one or the other form is easier to find.

The second reason is that different forms are "better" in different situations. The slope and intercept are parameters that have very obvious interpretations in 2-dimensional geometry. In 3-d, however, they don't make such obvious sense.

The general form: ax + by + cz = k where a, b, c and k are constants is a line in 3-dimensional space. It is easily converted to 2-d (just remove the z term) or extended to 4-dimensions (add a "dw" term where d is a constant and w another variable). Extension to 5 or more dimensions is done similarly.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

CoachCoach
Success isn't just about winning—it's about vision, patience, and playing the long game.
Chat with Coach
ViviVivi
Your ride-or-die bestie who's seen you through every high and low.
Chat with Vivi
DevinDevin
I've poured enough drinks to know that people don't always want advice—they just want to talk.
Chat with Devin

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why do you represent linear equations in more than one form?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp