Chapter 1: Problem 52
Show that the linear equation \(\frac{x}{a}+\frac{y}{b}=1\) has \(x\) -intercept \((a, 0)\) and \(y\) -intercept \((0, b)\). (The \(x\) -intercept is the point where the line crosses the \(x\) -axis.
Short Answer
Expert verified
X-intercept: \((a, 0)\); Y-intercept: \((0, b)\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the X-Intercept
To find the x-intercept of the line, set the value of \(y\) to zero in the equation \(\frac{x}{a} + \frac{y}{b} = 1\). This is because, at the x-intercept, the line crosses the x-axis, where the y-coordinate is zero.
02
Calculate X-Intercept
Substitute \(y = 0\) into the equation: \(\frac{x}{a} + \frac{0}{b} = 1\), simplifying to \(\frac{x}{a} = 1\). Then, solve for \(x\): multiply both sides by \(a\) to get \(x = a\). Thus, the x-intercept is \((a, 0)\).
03
Identify the Y-Intercept
To find the y-intercept of the line, set \(x\) to zero in the equation \(\frac{x}{a} + \frac{y}{b} = 1\). This is because, at the y-intercept, the line crosses the y-axis, where the x-coordinate is zero.
04
Calculate Y-Intercept
Substitute \(x = 0\) into the equation: \(\frac{0}{a} + \frac{y}{b} = 1\), simplifying to \(\frac{y}{b} = 1\). Then, solve for \(y\): multiply both sides by \(b\) to get \(y = b\). Thus, the y-intercept is \((0, b)\).
05
Conclusion
The x-intercept of the given line is \((a, 0)\) and the y-intercept is \((0, b)\), as shown by substituting \(y = 0\) and \(x = 0\) into the original equation respectively.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding the X-Intercept
The x-intercept of a linear equation is a fundamental concept. It describes the point where the graph of the equation crosses the x-axis. To find this important point, you set the y-value in the equation to zero. Why zero? Because on the x-axis, any point's y-coordinate is always zero. This remains true regardless of other components or transformations.
- Set the equation: Start with the original equation \(\frac{x}{a} + \frac{y}{b} = 1\).
- Substitute \(y = 0\): This simplifies our work because we only focus on x.
- Reason: \(\frac{x}{a} + \frac{0}{b} = 1\) reduces to \(\frac{x}{a} = 1\).
Understanding the Y-Intercept
Similar to the x-intercept, the y-intercept holds key insights into the behavior of linear equations. It's where the line crosses the y-axis, meaning the x-coordinate is zero. It's useful in graphing and understanding real-world contexts like starting points in various scenarios.
- Set the equation: Using \(\frac{x}{a} + \frac{y}{b} = 1\) again.
- Substitute \(x = 0\): Now, focus on y.
- Reason: \(\frac{0}{a} + \frac{y}{b} = 1\) simplifies to \(\frac{y}{b} = 1\).
Understanding the Slope-Intercept Form
The slope-intercept form is a concise way to express linear equations. It is given by the formula \(y = mx + b\), where \(m\) is the slope, representing the rate of change, and \(b\) is the y-intercept. This form makes it easy to identify key features of the line at a glance.
- Equation Format: Rearrange terms to better apply the slope-intercept form.
- Identify Components: From \(\frac{x}{a} + \frac{y}{b} = 1\) to all variables.
- Observation: Rearranging gives \(y = -\frac{b}{a}x + b\).