Math Problem Statement

Consider the function f(x) = x - (3 + 5x) / 3. Find the slope and the y-intercept. Express the intercept as an ordered pair. Simplify your answer.

Solution

We are given the function:

f(x)=x3+5x3f(x) = x - \frac{3 + 5x}{3}

Step 1: Simplifying the function

First, let's simplify the expression for f(x)f(x):

f(x)=x3+5x3f(x) = x - \frac{3 + 5x}{3}

We can split the fraction:

f(x)=x(33+5x3)f(x) = x - \left(\frac{3}{3} + \frac{5x}{3}\right) f(x)=x15x3f(x) = x - 1 - \frac{5x}{3}

Now, combine the terms involving xx:

f(x)=(1x5x3)1f(x) = \left(1x - \frac{5x}{3}\right) - 1

We need a common denominator for xx:

f(x)=3x35x31f(x) = \frac{3x}{3} - \frac{5x}{3} - 1

Simplify:

f(x)=2x31f(x) = \frac{-2x}{3} - 1

Step 2: Identifying the slope and y-intercept

This is now in the form of a linear equation f(x)=mx+bf(x) = mx + b, where mm is the slope and bb is the y-intercept.

  • The slope is m=23m = \frac{-2}{3}.
  • The y-intercept occurs when x=0x = 0. Substituting x=0x = 0 into the simplified function:

f(0)=2(0)31=1f(0) = \frac{-2(0)}{3} - 1 = -1

So, the y-intercept is (0,1)(0, -1).

Final Answer:

  • Slope: 23\frac{-2}{3}
  • y-intercept: (0,1)(0, -1)

Let me know if you want further clarification! Here are some questions that expand on this concept:

  1. How do you interpret the slope of a line in a real-world context?
  2. What happens to the graph of the function if the slope changes to a positive value?
  3. How can we find the x-intercept of this function?
  4. What is the significance of the y-intercept in real-world problems?
  5. How does the equation change if you add a constant to the function?

Tip: When simplifying linear functions, always try to express them in the form y=mx+by = mx + b for easier identification of slope and intercepts.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Functions
Slope-Intercept Form

Formulas

f(x) = mx + b
Simplification of fractions

Theorems

Slope-Intercept Form Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11