WESTERN ACADEMY OF BEIJING

GRADE 7 EXTENDED MYP MATHEMATICS

Slope - Intercept Investigation

Criterion B is Investigating Patterns. You will find patterns to help you better understand how linear graphs
are formed and how the slope-intercept formula y=mx+b is used. In the following graphs you will come to
realize how m (slope) is determined and how to easily find the constant term b (y-intercept).

Criterion C is Communication in Mathematics. You will have to use different forms of mathematical
communication to help you explain how the slope-intercept formula y=mx+b is used and derived.

Line 1:
Using the graph to the left, create a table of
values. The first point on the line is (-4,-4) and
each following point moves right 2 and up 4.
From your table of values create an equation for
the given line.

x -4 -2
y -4 0

You should have created an equation in the

form y=mx+b.

What are the m and b values of your equation?

m= _____

b= ______

At what point does the line cross the y-axis?

( , )
 WESTERN ACADEMY OF BEIJING
GRADE 7 EXTENDED MYP MATHEMATICS

Slope - Intercept Investigation

Is your line increasing or decreasing? Is your m value positive or negative?

Line 2:

run Usi
The
poi
valu

You
 WESTERN ACADEMY OF BEIJING
GRADE 7 EXTENDED MYP MATHEMATICS

Slope - Intercept Investigation

Is your line increasing or decreasing? Is your m value positive or negative?

What is the relationship between the b values (in Lines 1 and 2) and the point where your lines cross the y-
axis?

Criterion B: Investigating patterns

Level Descriptor Indicators

0 1 2

B1 BASIC USE SUFFICIENT USE GOOD USE

 WESTERN ACADEMY OF BEIJING
GRADE 7 EXTENDED MYP MATHEMATICS

Slope - Intercept Investigation

The student makes _______ of mathematical problem-solving
techniques to create equations for Lines 1 and 2

B2 The student _____ understand(s) how to determine m and b DOES NOT PARTIALLY FULLY

for lines 1 and 2 and the point where line crosses y-axis

B3 The student _____ understand(s) how to determine m and b DOES NOT PARTIALLY FULLY

for line 3

B4 The student makes _______ of mathematical problem-solving BASIC USE SUFFICIENT USE GOOD USE
techniques to create equations for Lines 3 and 4

Criterion C: Communicating

Level Descriptor Indicators

0 1 2

The student shows _______of mathematical language to

C1 BASIC USE SUFFICIENT USE GOOD USE
explain what m and b are doing in Lines 1 and 2

The student shows _______of mathematical language to

C2 BASIC USE SUFFICIENT USE GOOD USE
explain how m works in the slope intercept equation

The student shows _______of mathematical language to

C3 BASIC USE SUFFICIENT USE GOOD USE
explain how to quickly find b value.

The student shows _______of mathematical language to

C4 BASIC USE SUFFICIENT USE GOOD USE
explain the characteristics of Line 4

Line 3:

Without creating a table of values, create an equation

for the line.

(2,5) You should have created an equation in the form

y=mx+b.
 What are the m and b values of your equation?

WESTERN ACADEMY OF BEIJING

GRADE 7 EXTENDED MYP MATHEMATICS

Slope - Intercept Investigation

ntercept form equation. In your own words can

equation?

es 1,2 and 3. How could you quickly find b by

a rise of -3. Describe the line and create the