Math Problem Statement

Write the equation of the line passing through the points (0, 4) and (-6, 0) in slope-intercept form.

Solution

To find the equation of the line in slope-intercept form, we need two things: the slope (m) and the y-intercept (b). The slope-intercept form is written as:

y=mx+by = mx + b

Step 1: Determine the Slope

The slope mm is the ratio of the change in yy to the change in xx between two points on the line. Using two visible points from the graph:

  • The line passes through (0,4)(0, 4) and (6,0)(-6, 0).

To calculate the slope mm, we use the slope formula:

m=y2y1x2x1m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}

Substitute (x1,y1)=(0,4)(x_1, y_1) = (0, 4) and (x2,y2)=(6,0)(x_2, y_2) = (-6, 0):

m=0460=46=23m = \frac{0 - 4}{-6 - 0} = \frac{-4}{-6} = \frac{2}{3}

So, the slope is 23\frac{2}{3}.

Step 2: Find the y-intercept

The y-intercept bb is the value of yy when x=0x = 0. From the graph, we can see that the line crosses the yy-axis at (0,4)(0, 4). Therefore, b=4b = 4.

Final Equation

Now that we have both the slope m=23m = \frac{2}{3} and the y-intercept b=4b = 4, the equation of the line in slope-intercept form is:

y=23x+4y = \frac{2}{3}x + 4


Would you like a breakdown of how to interpret slope and intercept from graphs, or do you have any questions?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How can you determine the slope from any two points on a line?
  2. What is the significance of the y-intercept in a real-world context?
  3. How do changes in slope affect the steepness of a line?
  4. How can you rewrite the slope-intercept form in standard form?
  5. What are some common mistakes when calculating slope from a graph?

Tip: Always use simple points on the line to calculate slope (points where the line clearly crosses grid lines).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Equations
Slope-Intercept Form
Coordinate Geometry

Formulas

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

Theorems

Slope-Intercept Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9