In the context of the equation \( y = 0.1 + 20,000 \), it seems like there might have been a misunderstanding in the formulation, as it should probably express a relationship where \( y \) represents Steven's total earnings (base salary plus commission) based on his sales. Typically, we would expect a commission-related variable (like total sales) to be included in the equation.
However, interpreting the parts of the equation as presented, the constant \( 20,000 \) represents Steven's base salary, and the \( 0.1 \) could be an amount representing additional earnings or a misrepresentation of the formula since a commission is typically calculated from total sales and leads to a variable value, not a constant.
Given that, the y-intercept (which is the constant term when \( x = 0 \)) would indicate:
Steven's base pay.
If \( x \) represented total sales that resulted in commission, then the y-intercept represents Steven's earnings when he has not made any sales (i.e., total sales = 0), which would just be his base salary of $20,000.
So ultimately, the base salary of $20,000 would be the meaning of the y-intercept in this context.