Math Problem Statement

Given the following set of information, find a linear equation satisfying the conditions, if possible.

x-intercept at (–4, 0) and y-intercept at (0, –6)

Solution

To find the linear equation that satisfies the given conditions (x-intercept at (4,0)(-4, 0) and y-intercept at (0,6)(0, -6)), we can use the slope-intercept form of a line:

y=mx+by = mx + b

Step 1: Find the slope (m)

The slope of a line is calculated as:

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

Using the points (4,0)(-4, 0) and (0,6)(0, -6):

m=600(4)=64=32m = \frac{-6 - 0}{0 - (-4)} = \frac{-6}{4} = -\frac{3}{2}

Step 2: Find the y-intercept (b)

From the given information, the y-intercept is (0,6)(0, -6), so b=6b = -6.

Step 3: Write the equation

Now we can write the equation of the line by substituting the slope m=32m = -\frac{3}{2} and the y-intercept b=6b = -6 into the slope-intercept form:

y=32x6y = -\frac{3}{2}x - 6

Final Answer:

The linear equation is:

y=32x6y = -\frac{3}{2}x - 6

Would you like further details or have any questions?


Here are five related questions:

  1. How do you find the equation of a line given two points?
  2. What is the significance of the slope in a linear equation?
  3. How do you convert between slope-intercept form and standard form of a line?
  4. How can you determine the slope of a vertical line?
  5. How do you graph a line using its x- and y-intercepts?

Tip: When given intercepts, always start by finding the slope, then use either point to complete the equation.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Equations
Coordinate Geometry

Formulas

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

Theorems

Slope-intercept form of a linear equation

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10