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= - 1/5x+ 2
The slope is - 15. The y-intercept is 2, so the graph crosses the y-axis at the point (0, 2).
Graphing the Equation
A slope of - 15 means that for every 1 unit we move in the negative vertical direction, we move 5 units in the positive horizontal direction.
m=- 1/5 ⇔ rise/run=- 1/5
To graph the equation, plot the y-intercept and then use the slope to find another point on the line.
