Chapter 2: Problem 50
OPEN ENDED Write an equation of a line with slope \(0 .\) Describe the graph of the equation.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The equation is \( y = c \); it is a horizontal line parallel to the x-axis.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Concept of a Horizontal Line
A line with a slope of zero is a horizontal line. The slope of a line indicates its steepness or inclination. A slope of zero means the line is perfectly flat and does not rise or fall as it moves from left to right.
02
Identify the General Equation of a Horizontal Line
The general equation of a horizontal line is \[ y = c \]where \( c \) is a constant. The value of \( c \) is the constant \( y \)-coordinate for all points on the line, indicating that the line is horizontal and extends infinitely left and right at the height \( y = c \).
03
Choose a Specific Value for \( c \)
To write a specific equation, choose a value for \( c \). For example, if \( c = 3 \), the equation will be \[ y = 3 \].This equation represents a horizontal line that crosses the \( y \)-axis at 3 and remains constant across the graph.
04
Describe the Graph of the Equation
The graph of \( y = 3 \) is a horizontal line. It is a straight line parallel to the \( x \)-axis and passes through the point (0,3). Since the slope is zero, it does not slant and stays level across the entire graph.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Slope of a Line
The concept of the slope is fundamental in understanding linear equations and their graphs. The slope is a measure of how steep a line is. It represents the rise or fall of the line as it moves from left to right.
- When the slope is zero, the line is horizontal, implying no vertical change as it travels along its length.
- Positive slopes indicate an upward trend, while negative slopes show a downward trend.
- The formula for slope is given by the ratio \( m = \frac{\Delta y}{\Delta x} \), where \( \Delta y \) is the change in the y-coordinates, and \( \Delta x \) is the change in the x-coordinates.
Graphing Linear Equations
Graphing linear equations helps visualize solutions and understand line behavior on a plane. A linear equation describes a straight line, and its graph shows a continuous set of points.
- A common way to start graphing a line is by using the slope-intercept form \( y = mx + b \), where \( m \) is the slope, and \( b \) is the y-intercept.
- For horizontal lines, the equation simplifies to \( y = c \), where \( c \) is a constant representing the line's fixed height on the graph.
- Horizontal lines run parallel to the x-axis and intersect the y-axis at only one point, determined by the constant \( c \).
Constant Functions
Constant functions are straightforward yet important in mathematics. A constant function is a type of linear function where the output value is the same for any input value.
- The general form of a constant function is \( y = c \,\) where \( c \) is a fixed real number.
- Every x-value corresponds to the same \( y \)-value, so the graph is a horizontal line.
- Such functions represent situations where change does not occur, useful when modeling steady or unchanging conditions.