Math Problem Statement

Find the equation of the line with x-intercept 4 and y-intercept -5.

Solution

To find the equation of the line with an x-intercept of 4 and a y-intercept of -5, we'll use these intercepts to determine the slope and then write the equation in slope-intercept form y=mx+by = mx + b.

  1. Identify the points:

    • The x-intercept is where the line crosses the x-axis, so the point is (4,0)(4, 0).
    • The y-intercept is where the line crosses the y-axis, so the point is (0,5)(0, -5).
  2. Find the slope (m): The slope mm is calculated by the formula: m=y2y1x2x1m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}

    Using the points (4,0)(4, 0) and (0,5)(0, -5): m=5004=54=54m = \frac{-5 - 0}{0 - 4} = \frac{-5}{-4} = \frac{5}{4}

  3. Write the equation in slope-intercept form: The slope-intercept form of a line is: y=mx+by = mx + b

    We know the slope m=54m = \frac{5}{4} and the y-intercept b=5b = -5, so: y=54x5y = \frac{5}{4}x - 5

Thus, the equation of the line with an x-intercept of 4 and a y-intercept of -5 is: y=54x5y = \frac{5}{4}x - 5

Would you like more details or have any questions about this process?

Here are some related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How do you find the equation of a line given two points?
  2. What is the point-slope form of a line, and when is it useful?
  3. How can you convert an equation from point-slope form to slope-intercept form?
  4. What is the significance of the slope in the context of a real-world problem?
  5. How do you determine the x-intercept of a line given its equation?
  6. Can a line have more than one x-intercept or y-intercept?
  7. How do you graph a line using its intercepts?
  8. What is the effect of changing the slope on the graph of a line?

Tip: When working with intercepts, always remember that the x-intercept has a y-coordinate of 0, and the y-intercept has an x-coordinate of 0.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Lines and Linear Equations
Slope-Intercept Form
Intercepts

Formulas

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

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9