Chapter 4: Problem 81
For the following exercises, sketch the graph of each equation. $$ p(t)=-2+3 t $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Sketch a straight line with a slope of 3, intercepting the y-axis at -2.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Equation Type
The given equation, \( p(t) = -2 + 3t \), is in the form of \( y = mx + b \). This means it is a linear equation which will graph as a straight line.
02
Identify the Slope and Y-Intercept
In the equation \( p(t) = -2 + 3t \), the slope \( m \) is 3 and the y-intercept \( b \) is -2. This means the line will rise 3 units for each unit it moves to the right, and it crosses the y-axis at -2.
03
Plot the Y-Intercept
To begin sketching the graph, plot the y-intercept. This is the point \( (0, -2) \) on the graph, meaning when \( t = 0 \), \( p(t) = -2 \).
04
Use the Slope to Plot a Second Point
From the y-intercept, use the slope to find a second point. Since the slope is 3, move up 3 units and to the right 1 unit from \( (0, -2) \). This will take you to the point \( (1, 1) \). Plot this point.
05
Draw the Line
Connect the two plotted points with a straight line. Extend the line in both directions, and make sure it's straight, indicating the linear nature of the equation.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Graphing
Graphing is a visual representation of equations and their solutions on a coordinate plane. When we talk about graphing a linear equation, it's all about sketching a straight line. This line represents all solutions to the equation, visually showing how the variables relate to one another.
To graph a linear equation like our example, you'll follow a few essential steps:
To graph a linear equation like our example, you'll follow a few essential steps:
- Identify crucial elements: This includes the slope and y-intercept, which guide all plotting actions.
- Plot the y-intercept: Begin your graph with the y-intercept point on the y-axis, as this sets the starting point of your line.
- Use slope to find another point: From the y-intercept, apply the slope to locate a second point, ensuring the line is accurately directioned.
- Connect the points: Draw a line through these points, extending it across the plane.
Slope
The slope of a line quantifies the steepness and direction of the line on the graph. Represented by the letter \( m \) in the linear equation form \( y = mx + b \), the slope tells you how much the line rises or falls as you move from left to right.
For the equation \( p(t) = -2 + 3t \), the slope is 3, which means:
For the equation \( p(t) = -2 + 3t \), the slope is 3, which means:
- The line rises 3 units vertically for every 1 unit it moves horizontally.
- This positive value indicates an upward tilt as you read from left to right.
- Positive slope: Line ascends as we move right.
- Negative slope: Line descends as we move right.
- Zero slope: Line is flat, indicating no rise. Example equation \( y = b \).
- Undefined slope: Vertical line without horizontal movement. Example equation \( x = a \).
Y-Intercept
The y-intercept is where the line crosses the y-axis, providing the starting point on the graph for plotting the equation. In the equation \( p(t) = -2 + 3t \), the y-intercept \( b \) is -2. This means that when \( t = 0 \), \( p(t) \) is -2.
Identifying the y-intercept is straightforward:
Identifying the y-intercept is straightforward:
- It represents the value of the function when the independent variable is zero.
- This point on the graph is where you'd begin plotting the line.