Chapter 1: Problem 77
For each linear equation, a. give the slope \(m\) and \(y\) -intercept \(b\), if any, and b. graph the line. \(f(x)=-6 x\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Slope: -6, Y-intercept: 0. Graph through points (0, 0) and (1, -6).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Linear Equation
The given equation is \(f(x) = -6x\). This is written in the format \(y = mx + b\), where \(m\) is the slope and \(b\) is the y-intercept.
02
Determine the Slope
The equation \(f(x) = -6x\) can be represented as \(y = -6x + 0\). Thus, the slope \(m\) is \(-6\).
03
Determine the Y-Intercept
In the equation \(y = -6x + 0\), the y-intercept \(b\) is \(0\). This means the line crosses the y-axis at the origin \((0, 0)\).
04
Plot the Y-Intercept
To graph the line, start by plotting the y-intercept, which is the point \((0, 0)\).
05
Use the Slope to Plot Another Point
The slope \(m = -6\) indicates a rise of \(-6\) units for each run of \(+1\) unit. Starting from \((0, 0)\), move 1 unit to the right (to \(x = 1\)) and 6 units down (to \(y = -6\)) to mark the point \((1, -6)\).
06
Draw the Line
Connect the plotted points \((0, 0)\) and \((1, -6)\) with a straight line. Extend the line in both directions to complete the graph of the linear equation.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding the Slope
The slope, often denoted by the letter \(m\), is a crucial part of any linear equation. In simple terms, it measures the steepness or incline of a line. The slope tells us how the line rises or falls as you move along the x-axis.
- If the slope is positive, the line ascends (goes up) as it moves from left to right.
- If the slope is negative, the line descends (goes down) as it moves from left to right.
- A slope of zero indicates a flat, horizontal line.
The Role of the Y-Intercept
The y-intercept, symbolized by \(b\), in a linear equation of the form \(y = mx + b\), is the point where the line crosses the y-axis. This point is significant because it gives us a starting point for graphing the line.
- The y-intercept is where \(x = 0\), hence it is represented by the point \((0, b)\).
- In the equation \(f(x) = -6x\), which can be rewritten as \(y = -6x + 0\), the y-intercept \(b\) is clearly \(0\).
- This tells us that the line crosses the y-axis exactly at the origin point \((0, 0)\).
Graphing Linear Functions Made Easy
Graphing linear functions involves plotting points on a graph and then connecting these points to form a straight line. Let's take a closer look at how to do this with our function \(f(x) = -6x\):
- Begin by plotting the y-intercept. As identified, our starting point is \((0, 0)\), because the y-intercept is 0.
- Use the slope to determine another point on the line. The slope \(-6\) tells us to move 1 unit to the right and 6 units down. This takes us to the point \((1, -6)\).
- Once these points are plotted, draw a straight line through them. Extend the line across the graph to clearly see the linear relationship.