# Word problem need help

#### djm1951

##### New member
The yearly production of a 4 ft orange tree is 38 lbs of oranges. A 13 ft tree produces 95 lbs. Let h represent the hights of a tree and p the number of lbs of oranges produced. Ordered pairs are (4,38) 1st tree and (13,95) for 2nd tree. Find the point-slope form of an equation of the line through the 2 ordered pairs. a.) p=19/3h+38/3 b.) p-4=3/19(h-38) c.)p-38=19/3(h-4) d.) p-38=-19/3(h-4). Use the equation from part b (the equations) to predict the number of lbs of oranges produced by an 18 ft tree and a 20 ft tree. What is the predicted production of an 18 ft tree?____ A 20 ft tree?____. Then use the equation to predict the height of a tree which produces 88 lbs of oranges. Thank you.

#### tkhunny

##### Moderator
Staff member
We would be most please to thank you for showing your work.

You have two points. use your two-point form and write down the equation.

$$\displaystyle m = \frac{y_{2}-y_{1}}{x_{2}-x_{1}}$$

$$\displaystyle y - y_{1} = m\cdot (x-x_{1})$$

You can be expected to know this on an exam.

#### djm1951

##### New member
I don't have any work yet. I figured out the ordered pair. I am guessing at the equations so I guessed it was c. I am new at this as I have never had algebra before. That is why I am looking for help for someone to show me how to work it.

#### tkhunny

##### Moderator
Staff member
Oh, dear. Why are you in this class? Are you SURE you are ready for it? Try to figure out how to use that two-point form.

#### djm1951

##### New member
because they say I have to take it. It has been 40 years since I have been in school and we never had anything above basic math when I was going to school. This is why I am having such a hard time plus the class is self paced and the teacher sits on his butt unless you ask him questions. This is why I go to places like this so if all don't want to teach me how to do the problems then jsut say so and I will not come back. This pace was suggested to me but from what I see no one wants to help you out.

#### tkhunny

##### Moderator
Staff member
Try to relax. It's just a question, not a personal challenge.

We like to be as helpful as we can, but there are some things we cannot do. Sometimes, a face-to-face interaction is most useful.

You need to find yourself an algebra book - fast. Find the sections on linear equations and learn the various forms. You MUST do it.

You can look up the basics on the internet, too. Look for these:

Point-Slope
Slope-Intercept
Two-Point

PurpleMath has lots of good lessons. Here's a place to start: http://www.purplemath.com/modules/graphlin.htm

#### djm1951

##### New member
i have used a math book that is supplied from the school. Why do think I am here? Cause it was useless for someone like me. Some of them I can do but ones like this I don't have a clue. But I will just go away and get help else where.

Staff member