Equations written in slope-intercept form follow a specific format.
y= mx+ b
In this form, m represents the slope of the line and b represents the y-intercept.
Identifying the Slope and y-intercept
Since the given equation is not in slope-intercept form, let's rewrite it so that it will be easier to identify the slope and y-intercept.
Below we have highlighted the slope m and y-intercept b.
y= - 1/4x+ 3
The slope is - 14x. The y-intercept is 3, so the graph crosses the y-axis at the point (0, 3).
Graphing the Equation
A slope of - 1/4 means that for every 4 units we move in the positive horizontal direction, we move 1 unit in the negative vertical direction.
m= - 1/4 ⇔ rise/run=- 1/4
To graph the equation, plot the y-intercept and then use the slope to find another point on the line.
