Using the graph, derive the equation of the line in slope-intercept form.

Graph is (1, -1) and (0, -4)

1 answer

To derive the equation of the line in slope-intercept form (y = mx + b), we first need to determine the slope (m) using the two points provided: (1, -1) and (0, -4).

  1. Calculate the slope (m): The formula for the slope between two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is:

    \[ m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \]

    Let's substitute the points into this formula:

    • Point 1 (x1, y1) = (1, -1)
    • Point 2 (x2, y2) = (0, -4)

    \[ m = \frac{-4 - (-1)}{0 - 1} = \frac{-4 + 1}{-1} = \frac{-3}{-1} = 3 \]

    So, the slope \( m = 3 \).

  2. Use the slope to find the y-intercept (b): The y-intercept (b) can be directly obtained from the point (0, -4), which corresponds to the y-coordinate when x = 0. Thus, \( b = -4 \).

  3. Write the equation in slope-intercept form: Now that we have both the slope (m) and the y-intercept (b), we can write the equation of the line:

    \[ y = 3x - 4 \]

Therefore, the equation of the line in slope-intercept form is:

\[ y = 3x - 4 \]