Which linear equation shows a proportional relationship?

y equals negative one sixth times x
y equals one sixth times x minus 8
y = −6x + 1
y = 6

1 answer

A linear equation shows a proportional relationship if it can be written in the form \( y = kx \), where \( k \) is a constant. This means that the line passes through the origin (0,0).

Let's analyze the given equations:

  1. \( y = -\frac{1}{6}x \): This equation is in the form \( y = kx \) with \( k = -\frac{1}{6} \), which means it is proportional.

  2. \( y = \frac{1}{6}x - 8 \): This equation has a y-intercept of -8, which means it does not pass through the origin. Therefore, it is not proportional.

  3. \( y = -6x + 1 \): This equation has a y-intercept of 1, which means it does not pass through the origin. Therefore, it is not proportional.

  4. \( y = 6 \): This is a horizontal line that does not depend on \( x \) and does not show a direct proportional relationship. It represents a constant value, which means it is not of the form \( y = kx \).

The only linear equation that shows a proportional relationship is:

\( y = -\frac{1}{6}x \).