Question

part #4: write the equation of the line graphed below in slope - intercept form: write the equation of the line: what is the x - intercept? what is the y - intercept?

Explanation:

Step1: Find the slope

The two points on the line are (-4, -3) and (4, 1). The slope formula is $m=\frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$. So $m=\frac{1-(-3)}{4 - (-4)}=\frac{4}{8}=\frac{1}{2}$.

Step2: Find the y - intercept

The line crosses the y - axis at the point (0, -1), so the y - intercept $b=-1$.

Step3: Write the equation in slope - intercept form

The slope - intercept form of a line is $y = mx + b$. Substituting $m=\frac{1}{2}$ and $b = - 1$ gives $y=\frac{1}{2}x-1$.

Step4: Find the x - intercept

Set $y = 0$ in the equation $y=\frac{1}{2}x-1$. Then $0=\frac{1}{2}x-1$, so $\frac{1}{2}x=1$ and $x = 2$.

Answer:

Write the equation of the line: $y=\frac{1}{2}x - 1$
What is the x - intercept? $2$
What is the y - intercept? $-1$