# Find the point on the line -5x + 6y + 6 = 0 which is closest to the point (-1,3) .

## Question:

Find the point on the line {eq}-5x + 6y + 6 = 0 {/eq} which is closest to the point {eq}(-1,3) {/eq}.

## Distance Between a Point and a Line:

When we know the equation of a line {eq}L:\,\,ax + by + c = 0 {/eq} and a point {eq}P\left( {{x_0},{y_0}} \right) {/eq} outside the line we are able to apply the corresponding formula to derive the distance between the point {eq}P\left( {{x_0},{y_0}} \right) {/eq} and the line {eq}L {/eq}: {eq}d\left( {P,L} \right) = \frac{{\left| {a{x_0} + b{y_0} + c} \right|}}{{\sqrt {{a^2} + {b^2}} }} {/eq}.

## Answer and Explanation:

{eq}\eqalign{ & {\text{If we have that the equation of the line }}\,L{\text{ is }}\,ax + by + c = 0{\text{ and a point }}\,{P_0}\left( {{x_0},{y_0}} \right){\text{ }} \cr & {\text{outside the line}}{\text{, then}}{\text{, the shortest distance from the point }}\,{P_0}{\text{ to the line }}L{\text{ is given by: }} \cr & \,\,\,\,d\left( {P,L} \right) = \frac{{\left| {a{x_0} + b{y_0} + c} \right|}}{{\sqrt {{a^2} + {b^2}} }} \cr & {\text{Now}}{\text{, in this particular case we have the point }}P\left( {{x_0},{y_0}} \right) = \left( { - 1,3} \right){\text{ and the line}} \cr & - 5x + 6y + 6 = 0.{\text{ So}}{\text{, by replacing:}} \cr & \,\,\,\,d\left( {P,L} \right) = \frac{{\left| { - 5 \cdot \left( { - 1} \right) + 6 \cdot 3 + 6} \right|}}{{\sqrt {{{\left( { - 5} \right)}^2} + {6^2}} }} \cr & \,\,\,\,d\left( {P,L} \right) = \frac{{\left| {5 + 18 + 6} \right|}}{{\sqrt {25 + 36} }} = \frac{{29}}{{\sqrt {61} }} = \boxed{3.713} \cr & {\text{Therefore}}{\text{, the closest distance from the point }}\,{P}{\text{ to the line }}L{\text{ is }}\,\boxed{d\left( {P,L} \right) = 3.713} \cr} {/eq}