Math Problem Statement
Given the equation y = -1/2x + 4, identify the graph that best represents this function.
Solution
The given equation is:
This is a linear equation in slope-intercept form, where:
- The slope , and
- The y-intercept (the point where the line crosses the y-axis).
Now let's analyze the graphs:
- The slope means that for every 2 units you move horizontally to the right (positive x-direction), the graph will drop by 1 unit (negative y-direction). So, the line should go down as you move to the right.
- The y-intercept means that the line will cross the y-axis at .
Looking at the three graphs:
- Graph A has a line that rises, not falls, from left to right, so it doesn't match the slope.
- Graph B has a line that falls from left to right and crosses the y-axis at , which matches the given equation.
- Graph C has a line that rises from left to right and does not match the slope.
Therefore, Graph B is the correct representation of the equation.
Let me know if you would like more explanation or have further questions!
Here are 5 related questions to expand on:
- How do you calculate the slope of a line given two points?
- How do you convert a linear equation from standard form to slope-intercept form?
- What is the significance of the y-intercept in real-life scenarios?
- How does the slope relate to the speed of change in a situation?
- How can you graph a linear equation without using a graphing calculator?
Tip: Always remember that the slope is the rate of change between the x and y values, and the y-intercept gives you the starting point of the graph when x is 0.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Algebra
Linear Equations
Graphing Functions
Formulas
Slope-Intercept Form: y = mx + b
Theorems
Concept of Slope
Y-Intercept Interpretation
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 7-10