rewrite the equation in standard form y - 6 = -1/2 (x-5)

Standard Form: Ax + By = C
---A cannot be negative, nor can it be a decimal or fraction
y - 6 = -1/2(x - 5)
Distribute the -1/2
y - 6 = -1/2x + 5/2
Add -1/2x to both sides
1/2x + y - 6 = 5/2
Add 6 to both sides
1/2x + y = 17/2
Multiply everything by 2 to get rid of the fractions
x + 2y = 17
Hope this helps!! :)