To determine the equation of the trend line in slope-intercept form \( y = mx + b \), we need to find the slope \( m \) and the y-intercept \( b \).
From the points provided that the trend line passes through:
- Left parenthesis \( (0, 12) \)
- Left parenthesis \( (4, 16) \)
- Left parenthesis \( (6, 18) \)
Step 1: Calculate the Slope \( m \)
The slope \( m \) is calculated using the formula:
\[ m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \]
Using the points \( (4, 16) \) and \( (0, 12) \):
\[ m = \frac{16 - 12}{4 - 0} = \frac{4}{4} = 1 \]
Step 2: Determine the Y-Intercept \( b \)
The y-intercept \( b \) can be found from the point \( (0, 12) \). When \( x = 0 \), \( y = b \).
So, from the point:
\[ b = 12 \]
Step 3: Write the Equation
Now we can write the equation of the trend line in slope-intercept form:
\[ y = mx + b \]
Substituting the values of \( m \) and \( b \):
\[ y = 1x + 12 \]
Thus, the equation of the trend line is:
\[ y = x + 12 \]