Math Problem Statement

What is the equation of the straight line shown below? Give your answer in the form y = mx + c, where m and c are integers or fractions in their simplest forms.

Solution

To determine the equation of the straight line shown, we need to find its slope mm and y-intercept cc.

  1. Identifying two points on the line: From the graph, two clear points on the line are:

    • Point 1: (0,4)(0, 4) (this is the y-intercept)
    • Point 2: (4,16)(4, 16)
  2. Finding the slope mm: The formula for the slope is: m=y2y1x2x1m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} Substituting the coordinates of the two points (0,4)(0, 4) and (4,16)(4, 16): m=16440=124=3m = \frac{16 - 4}{4 - 0} = \frac{12}{4} = 3

  3. Finding the y-intercept cc: The y-intercept is the value of yy when x=0x = 0. From the graph, we can see that the line crosses the y-axis at (0,4)(0, 4), so c=4c = 4.

  4. Equation of the line: Using the slope-intercept form y=mx+cy = mx + c, where m=3m = 3 and c=4c = 4, the equation of the line is: y=3x+4y = 3x + 4

Would you like further clarification or more details on this?

Here are some related questions to explore:

  1. How do you calculate the slope if the two points are not clearly defined on a graph?
  2. What would the equation look like if the slope were negative?
  3. How does the y-intercept affect the position of the line on the graph?
  4. Can you derive the equation from just the slope and one point on the line?
  5. How would you find the equation if the points involved fractions?

Tip: When finding the slope of a line, ensure you clearly identify two points on the graph to avoid calculation errors.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Equations

Formulas

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

Theorems

Slope of a Line

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10