Ask Me Help Desk

Ask Me Help Desk (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forum.php)
-   Elementary School (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=106)
-   -   What does y=mx+b really mean? (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=211598)

  • May 1, 2008, 04:01 PM
    lilwendy722
    What does y=mx+b really mean?
    :confused: today I had math class with my teacher mr.siu, but I'm confused about one algebraic equation. He asked me what the variables stand for and what are the answer(s) to this question: y=mx+b

    :p ;) :confused:

    I already understand that m is the slope of the line and b is the y-intercept, however I need to know what y and x is supposed to mean and stand for... try to answer me with an understandable answer with steps... the h.w. s due tomorrow and I really need the help! Thanks lots! :D

    if u can try to reply to me as soon as u can, would you! Thanks once again and bye bye!! :D
  • May 1, 2008, 04:26 PM
    KISS
    y is the dependent variable. It's value depends on x.

    x is the independent variable. It's value is arbitrarily chosen.

    You can also describe it as the equation of a straight line having a slope (delta y/delta x) and intersects the y axis at (0,b).
  • May 1, 2008, 04:49 PM
    nanci92
    HI! I just learned that and I am in Advanced Math so I am pretty sure I know this.

    Y=MX+B
    this formula is called slope intercept form

    You are right about the b standing for the y intercept and m standing for the slope.

    The easiest way to explain this would be y and x are coordinates on a coordinate plane. You following me?

    if you substitute values in for x you get the answer to y. Which would create an ordered pair.

    Here's an example.
    y=2x+1

    The 1 is the y intercept. (the place where it crosses the y axis)

    The 2 is the slope.

    You know that an ordered pair is (x,y) right?

    so lets just substitute numbers in the problem.

    for x we can substitute 1

    y=2(1)+1

    so that simplified would be y=2+1 (becuase you multiply the x by the slope)

    so the number that we substituted in is 1 right.

    so the ordered pair would be (1,3)

    If this doesn't make it easier to understand you can go to:

    Purplemath

    and in the search box, type in slope intercept form
    that will help you loads.

    Please rate my answer.
    THANKS!

  • All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:47 AM.