Writing Linear Equations

Front

What is a linear equation?

Back

A linear equation is an equation that makes a straight line when graphed. It can be written in the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.

Front

What does the slope of a line represent?

Back

The slope of a line represents the rate of change of y with respect to x. It indicates how steep the line is and the direction it goes (positive or negative).

Front

How do you find the slope from two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2)?

Back

The slope (m) can be calculated using the formula m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1).

Front

What is the y-intercept in a linear equation?

Back

The y-intercept is the point where the line crosses the y-axis. It is represented by the value of b in the equation y = mx + b.

Front

How can you determine if a linear equation is correct based on its slope and y-intercept?

Back

You can check if the slope and y-intercept match the given points or the graph of the equation. If they do not match, the equation is incorrect.

Front

What is the standard form of a linear equation?

Back

The standard form of a linear equation is Ax + By = C, where A, B, and C are integers, and A should be non-negative.

Front

How do you convert a linear equation from standard form to slope-intercept form?

Back

To convert from standard form (Ax + By = C) to slope-intercept form (y = mx + b), solve for y.

Front

What does it mean for two lines to be parallel?

Back

Two lines are parallel if they have the same slope but different y-intercepts. They will never intersect.

Front

What does it mean for two lines to be perpendicular?

Back

Two lines are perpendicular if the product of their slopes is -1. This means one slope is the negative reciprocal of the other.

Front

How do you graph a linear equation?

Back

To graph a linear equation, find the y-intercept, plot it on the graph, then use the slope to find another point and draw the line.