Chapter 7: Problem 31
Graph each equation using the slope and \(y\) -intercept. $$y=-3$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The graph is a horizontal line crossing the y-axis at -3.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Equation Type
The given equation is in the form of \( y = c \), where \( c \) is a constant. This indicates a horizontal line.
02
Determine the Y-Intercept
Since the equation is \( y = -3 \), the \(y\)-intercept is \((0, -3)\). This is the point where the line crosses the y-axis.
03
Understand the Slope
In the equation \( y = -3 \), the slope \( m \) is \( 0 \) because the equation does not include a \( x \) term. A slope of zero indicates that the line is horizontal.
04
Plot the Y-Intercept
Place a point on the coordinate plane at the y-intercept \((0, -3)\).
05
Draw the Horizontal Line
From the plotted y-intercept, draw a straight horizontal line extending in both directions. This horizontal line represents all points where \( y = -3 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Slope-Intercept Form
Understanding the slope-intercept form is a great foundation for graphing linear equations. The standard form of this equation is \( y = mx + b \), where \( m \) stands for the slope and \( b \) is the \( y \)-intercept.
- **Slope (\( m \)):** This tells us how steep the line is and in which direction it moves. A positive slope moves upward, while a negative slope goes downward.
- **Y-Intercept (\( b \)):** This is the point where the line intersects the y-axis on a graph.
Horizontal Line
When we encounter a graph formed by an equation like \( y = c \), we are looking at a horizontal line. This type of line has some distinct features:
- **Constant \( y \)-value:** All points on the line share the same \( y \)-coordinate. In our example, every point has \( y = -3 \).
- **Zero Slope:** Since the line does not rise or fall, the slope is zero.
Y-Intercept
The y-intercept is crucial in graphing, as it provides a starting point. For a horizontal line like \( y = -3 \), the y-intercept is easy to identify.
- **What It Tells Us:** The y-intercept shows exactly where the line crosses the y-axis. This point is always represented as \((0, b)\).
- **Example Case:** In our problem, the y-intercept is \((0, -3)\). It means that when the x-coordinate is zero, the y-coordinate is \(-3\).
Graphing Techniques
Graphing linear equations involves a few key steps to ensure accuracy. Simplifying the process can make graphing more intuitive.
- **Identify Key Components:** Recognize the slope and y-intercept from the equation to get a general idea of the line's form.
- **Plot the Y-Intercept:** Begin by placing a point at the determined y-intercept on the coordinate plane.
- **Draw the Line:** For horizontal lines like \( y = -3 \), draw a straight line through the y-intercept, moving parallel to the x-axis in both left and right directions.