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