Chapter 2: Problem 131
For the following exercises, sketch the graph of each equation. $$\frac{x}{3}-\frac{y}{4}=1$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Plot intercepts (3,0) and (0,-4), then draw the line through them.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Type of Equation
The equation \( \frac{x}{3} - \frac{y}{4} = 1 \) is a linear equation because both \(x\) and \(y\) appear to the first power.
02
Convert to Standard Form
To better understand the equation, rewrite it in the standard form of a line, \(Ax + By = C\). Multiply every term by 12 (the least common multiple of 3 and 4) to get \(4x - 3y = 12\).
03
Find the X-Intercept
To find the x-intercept, set \(y = 0\) in the equation \(4x - 3y = 12\). Solve for \(x\):\[4x - 3(0) = 12 \Rightarrow 4x = 12 \Rightarrow x = 3\]. So, the x-intercept is at \((3, 0)\).
04
Find the Y-Intercept
To find the y-intercept, set \(x = 0\) in the equation \(4x - 3y = 12\). Solve for \(y\): \[4(0) - 3y = 12 \Rightarrow -3y = 12 \Rightarrow y = -4\]. So, the y-intercept is at \((0, -4)\).
05
Plot the Intercepts
Plot the points \((3,0)\) and \((0,-4)\) on a coordinate plane. These are the points where the line crosses the x-axis and y-axis, respectively.
06
Draw the Line
Draw a straight line through the points \((3,0)\) and \((0,-4)\). Extend the line across the graph. This line represents the graph of the equation \( \frac{x}{3} - \frac{y}{4} = 1 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
x-intercept
The x-intercept is the point where a line crosses the x-axis. This point can be found by setting the value of y in the equation to zero and solving for x. For this particular equation, when y is set to 0, we solve the equation to find x as follows:
\[4x - 3(0) = 12 \Rightarrow 4x = 12 \Rightarrow x = 3\]
So, the x-intercept is at the point (3, 0).
\[4x - 3(0) = 12 \Rightarrow 4x = 12 \Rightarrow x = 3\]
So, the x-intercept is at the point (3, 0).
- The x-axis is horizontal.
- An x-intercept is found where the line meets the x-axis, meaning y is always 0 at this point.
y-intercept
The y-intercept is where a line crosses the y-axis. You find this point by setting x equal to zero in the equation and solving for y. Let's see how it works with our equation:
\[4(0) - 3y = 12 \Rightarrow -3y = 12 \Rightarrow y = -4\]
Thus, the y-intercept occurs at (0, -4).
\[4(0) - 3y = 12 \Rightarrow -3y = 12 \Rightarrow y = -4\]
Thus, the y-intercept occurs at (0, -4).
- The y-axis stands vertically on a graph.
- A y-intercept is the point where x is 0, highlighting the vertical intersection of the line with the y-axis.
standard form of a line
A linear equation can often be rearranged into the standard form, which is \(Ax + By = C\). This structure helps quickly identify equations of lines, making it a valuable format in algebra. In our example, we began with \(\frac{x}{3} - \frac{y}{4} = 1\) and transformed it to:
\[4x - 3y = 12\]
\[4x - 3y = 12\]
- A, B, and C should be integers.
- This form allows for easy identification and solving of both intercepts.