Math Problem Statement

What are the slope and the y-intercept of the function shown on the graph with points (-4, -3) and (4, -1)?

Solution

To solve for the slope and y-intercept of the given linear function based on the graph, we will follow these steps:

1. Finding the slope:

The formula for the slope between two points (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2) is: m=y2y1x2x1m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}

Using the given points (4,3)(-4, -3) and (4,1)(4, -1): m=1(3)4(4)=1+34+4=28=14m = \frac{-1 - (-3)}{4 - (-4)} = \frac{-1 + 3}{4 + 4} = \frac{2}{8} = \frac{1}{4}

Thus, the slope m=14m = \frac{1}{4}.

2. Finding the y-intercept:

The y-intercept occurs when x=0x = 0. Using the slope-intercept form y=mx+by = mx + b, where bb is the y-intercept, we can substitute one of the points and the slope to solve for bb.

Using point (4,1)(4, -1) and m=14m = \frac{1}{4}: 1=14(4)+b-1 = \frac{1}{4}(4) + b 1=1+b-1 = 1 + b b=11=2b = -1 - 1 = -2

Thus, the y-intercept is (0,2)(0, -2).

Final answers:

  • Slope: 14\frac{1}{4}
  • y-intercept: (0,2)(0, -2)

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Related questions:

  1. How do you calculate the slope when the coordinates involve negative values?
  2. How do you find the equation of a line given two points?
  3. What are some alternative ways to determine the y-intercept from a graph?
  4. How would you graph a line if you only knew the slope and y-intercept?
  5. How does changing the slope affect the steepness of a line?

Tip:

When finding the slope between two points, be careful with signs—subtracting a negative value is the same as adding its positive counterpart.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Functions
Coordinate Geometry
Algebra

Formulas

Slope formula: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
Slope-intercept form: y = mx + b

Theorems

Concept of slope and y-intercept in linear equations

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10