Page 194 - ABCTE Study Guide_Neat

A linear equation is another name for a linear-function rule. In standard form, using more of algebra's
typical alphabet-soup style, a linear equation looks like this:

y = mx + b

Let's go through what the m and the b represent. The x and y variables will still be the input and output
values, respectively, allowing you to create ordered pairs to plot on a coordinate plane.

The variable b represents the y-intercept of the graph of the line. The y-intercept is the place where the
line crosses the y-axis.

The variable m represents the slope of the line. Slope is the steepness of the line; the steeper the line,
the greater the slope.

Lots More About Slope

Slope is either positive or negative. Slope is calculated as the amount of rise (change in height) per
amount of run (horizontal change). Slope can be determined with a formula or from a graph of a line. First,
we will look at how to determine the slope just by counting units from the graph of a line.

Question

What is the slope of the line below?