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

What is the y-intercept?

Back

The y-intercept is the point where the line crosses the y-axis. It is represented as (0, b) in the equation y = mx + b.

Front

How do you find the slope between two points?

Back

The slope (m) between two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is calculated using the formula m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1).

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 can you determine if a point lies on a line?

Back

To determine if a point (x, y) lies on a line represented by the equation y = mx + b, substitute x into the equation and see if the resulting y equals the y-coordinate of the point.

Front

What is the difference between a positive and negative slope?

Back

A positive slope means the line rises as it moves from left to right, while a negative slope means the line falls as it moves from left to right.

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, meaning 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, meaning they intersect at a right angle.

Front

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

Back

To convert from slope-intercept form (y = mx + b) to standard form (Ax + By = C), rearrange the equation to get all terms on one side.