Chapter 1: Problem 18
For each equation, find the slope \(m\) and \(y\) intercept \((0, b)\) (when they exist) and draw the graph. \(y=-\frac{1}{3} x+2\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The slope is \(-\frac{1}{3}\) and the y-intercept is \(2\).
Step by step solution
01
Identifying the Equation Form
The equation given is in the form of the slope-intercept equation, which is \(y = mx + b\), where \(m\) is the slope and \(b\) is the y-intercept.
02
Determining the Slope
From the equation \(y = -\frac{1}{3}x + 2\), we identify \(m = -\frac{1}{3}\). This means that for every unit increase in \(x\), \(y\) decreases by \(\frac{1}{3}\).
03
Finding the Y-Intercept
In the equation \(y = -\frac{1}{3}x + 2\), the y-intercept \(b\) is equal to 2. Thus, the line crosses the y-axis at the point \((0, 2)\).
04
Plotting the Y-Intercept
Start by plotting the y-intercept on the graph, which is at the point \((0, 2)\).
05
Using the Slope to Plot Another Point
From the y-intercept \((0, 2)\), use the slope \(-\frac{1}{3}\) to find another point on the line by going down 1 unit and right 3 units, which lands you at the point \((3, 1)\).
06
Drawing the Line
Connect the points \((0, 2)\) and \((3, 1)\) with a straight line. This is the graph of the equation \(y = -\frac{1}{3}x + 2\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Graphing linear equations
Graphing linear equations involves translating the math equation into a visual format on a coordinate plane. A linear equation in two variables, like the one we have here, forms a straight line when graphed. The basic form often used is the slope-intercept form, like this equation:
- The equation is given as \( y = mx + b \), where:
- \( m \) represents the slope of the line,
- \( b \) is the y-intercept, or the point where the line crosses the y-axis.
Finding the slope
Finding the slope of a line in a linear equation is a key step. In the slope-intercept form, \( y = mx + b \), the slope \( m \) provides vital information on how steep the line is and its direction.
- If \( m \) is:
- Positive, the line slants upwards from left to right.
- Negative, the line slants downwards from left to right.
- Zero, the line is horizontal.
- The slope is a ratio indicating vertical change over horizontal change between any two points on the line.
- This means that for each unit you move horizontally, you move the amount given by the slope vertically.
Y-intercept calculation
The y-intercept calculation is straightforward once you have your equation in slope-intercept form. The y-intercept is essentially the point where the line crosses the y-axis. This occurs when x is equal to zero.
- In the equation \( y = mx + b \):
- The y-intercept \( b \) is clearly visible as it is the number added or subtracted from the slope term.
- For our example, the y-intercept is straightforward to find:
- It is \( b = 2 \), meaning the line crosses the y-axis at the point \( (0, 2) \).
- Knowing the y-intercept gives a firm starting point for graphing the equation, ensuring you place the line accurately on the graph.