Math Problem Statement

Given the equation y = -1/2x + 4, identify the graph that best represents this function.

Solution

The given equation is:

y=12x+4y = -\frac{1}{2}x + 4

This is a linear equation in slope-intercept form, where:

  • The slope m=12m = -\frac{1}{2}, and
  • The y-intercept b=4b = 4 (the point where the line crosses the y-axis).

Now let's analyze the graphs:

  • The slope m=12m = -\frac{1}{2} 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 b=4b = 4 means that the line will cross the y-axis at y=4y = 4.

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 y=4y = 4, 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:

  1. How do you calculate the slope of a line given two points?
  2. How do you convert a linear equation from standard form to slope-intercept form?
  3. What is the significance of the y-intercept in real-life scenarios?
  4. How does the slope relate to the speed of change in a situation?
  5. 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.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

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