Math Problem Statement

Use the graph to write an equation of the line.

Solution

The graph shows a linear relationship between time (in weeks) and the balance (in dollars) in a savings account. We need to derive the equation of the line from the given points.

From the graph:

  • One point is (0,100)(0, 100), indicating the initial balance (the y-intercept).
  • Another point is (4,300)(4, 300), giving another reference.

Step 1: Calculate the slope of the line

The slope mm of a line is calculated using the formula:

m=y2y1x2x1m = \frac{{y_2 - y_1}}{{x_2 - x_1}}

Here, (x1,y1)=(0,100)(x_1, y_1) = (0, 100) and (x2,y2)=(4,300)(x_2, y_2) = (4, 300). Plugging in these values:

m=30010040=2004=50m = \frac{{300 - 100}}{{4 - 0}} = \frac{200}{4} = 50

Step 2: Write the equation in slope-intercept form

The slope-intercept form of a line is given by:

y=mx+by = mx + b

Where:

  • m=50m = 50 (the slope)
  • b=100b = 100 (the y-intercept, from the point (0,100)(0, 100))

Thus, the equation of the line is:

y=50x+100y = 50x + 100

This represents the balance in the savings account as a function of time.

Would you like further details or clarifications? Here are five related questions to expand on this:

  1. How do we interpret the slope of the line in this context?
  2. What does the y-intercept represent in practical terms for this problem?
  3. How would the equation change if the initial balance was higher?
  4. What if we wanted to predict the balance after 6 weeks using this equation?
  5. How could we calculate the time it takes for the balance to reach $500?

Tip: The slope of a line represents the rate of change, which in this case is how much the savings increase per week.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Equations
Graph Interpretation

Formulas

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

Theorems

Equation of a straight line in slope-intercept form

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9