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. Below we highlight the slope m and y-intercept b.
y=-4x - 1 ⇔ y=-4x+( -1)
The slope is -4. The y-intercept is -1, so the graph crosses the y-axis at the point (0, - 1).
Graphing the Equation
A slope of -4 means that for every 1 unit we move in the positive horizontal direction, we move 4 units in the negative vertical direction.
m=-4/1 ⇔ rise/run=-4/1
To graph the equation, plot the y-intercept and then use the slope to find another point on the line.
