Ask Me Help Desk

Ask Me Help Desk (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forum.php)
-   Mathematics (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=199)
-   -   Y=mx+b (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=55262)

  • Jan 16, 2007, 08:40 PM
    Leahh
    y=mx+b
    What does y=mx+b mean?
    Like what do all the symbols stand for and how do you place them and with what?
    :confused:
  • Jan 16, 2007, 09:29 PM
    shygrneyzs
    In the standard equation for a line, y = mx + b, m designates the slope of the line, and b the y-intercept, that is b is the second coordinate of the point where the line crosses the y-axis.

    For your exact equation you are asking about look at:

    Math Forum: y = mx + b (Chameleon Graphing: Lines and Slope)

    That site shows the graph too.
  • Apr 3, 2008, 04:14 PM
    Guest
    is the equation for slope
  • Apr 3, 2008, 09:49 PM
    confusedbuzz
    If you've been given any two coordinates on a particular line, you can figure out the equation of the line by:

    1. Find the gradient (m) using information from both sets of coordinates and using the following formula

    m = (y2-y1/x2-x1)

    2. Insert the numerical values of x and y from any one of the coordinates and you will be left with only one unknown, b. B is the value of y for which x = 0 (the y-intercept, as previously mentioned). You can solve for the value of b.

    3. Write the equation and insert the value of m and b , but not those of x and y as they can vary along the line.



    E.g. The two cordinates along a line are (2,2) and (4,6)

    m = (y2-y1) / (x2-x1) = (6-2)/(4-2) = 4/2 = 2

    M = 2


    y = mx + b
    6 = 2(4) + b
    6 - 8 = b

    B = -2


    y = mx + b

    y=2x - 2
  • Apr 4, 2008, 04:54 AM
    galactus
    Not to split hairs, but y=mx+b is slope intercept form, not the standard equation.

    The standard equation of a line has the form Ax+By=C
  • Dec 1, 2009, 08:13 PM
    aLiWaShErE
    M is the slope right?
  • Dec 2, 2009, 04:23 PM
    mathwiz3502
    let's say you have a linear equation that is 5x-2
    with mx+b you know that m(5) is the slope and b(2) is the y intercept
    now, solve 5x-2=0 or 2/5 is the x intercept
    now you know all the main parts of a linear equation
  • Apr 9, 2013, 11:14 AM
    MiChel303
    OMG. Thank You! I have googled for hours now, and find that your example makes most sense!

  • All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:33 AM.