SLOPE AND Y-INTERCEPT

IN THIS LESSON:
Learn how to solve
Linear Equations:

Find the slope

Find the Y-Intercept

CCSS Math Content 8FA3

Interpret the equation y = mx + b as defining
a linear function, whose graph is a straight
line; give examples of functions that are not
linear. For example, the function A = s2
giving the area of a square as a function of
its side length is not linear because its
graph contains the points (1,1), (2,4) and
(3,9), which are not on a straight line.

Linear Equations

A linear equation is an equation for a

straight line.

The most useful of the linear equations is

the Slope-intercept form.

Slope intercept form is

Remember, M is slope, and B is where it

crosses the Y axis.

Y=MX+B

What is Slope?

Scenario: Imagine you were walking down

a mountain and you wondered what the
slope was of your descent.
First of all, slope is how steep a straight
line is.
To calculate slope, think:

Slope

Rise
=
Run

Solve It!

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Finding Slope (M) Part One

Lets say you already have a graph with two
points plotted on each the X and Y axis.
Your coordinates are (1,1) and (3,0)
Each of these
coordinates can be
viewed as (x1,y1)
and (x2,y2),
respectively.
Move on!

Finding Slope (M) Part Two

Using the coordinates, insert them into the

(Y2-Y1)
following formula!
SLOPE

(X2-X1)

Slope = (0-1)
(3-1)
= -1
2

In other words, you are moving down one (rise)

and to the right 2 (run) from the first point!

Still Struggling? Have Some Video Support!

Here is a very helpful video with another

example on how to find the slope!
Go to the following link for an extra look at
finding the slope!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=2kMUk_XRvRQ

Plugging in the Points and Slope to

Solve

Example 1: Plug in coordinates (1,1) and M= -1/2

Y=MX+B
1=(-1/2)(1)+ B
When we complete this equation, B= 1

Example 2:
Y=MX+B
0=(-1/2)(3)+ B
When we complete this equation, B= 1

Did you notice how no matter which one you choose,

the answer should be the same? That is because this
1 can be found on the y axis as the point where the
line crosses this axis.

Finding Other Points on a Line

Finding other points on a line has now

become much easier. Not only do you have
the point on the y axis (0,1 1/5), but you
can also calculate all the points before and
after this point. By using the slope, (-),
you know to go down one and forward two,
you can continue to do this in order to get
as many points as you can!