When writing an equation in slope-intercept form, does be have to be a positive number or can it be negative? For example, y=-3x-5.

3 answers

positive means that t increases as x increases. The line rises up to the right

negative means that y decreases as x increases. The line falls down to the right.

Visit wolframalpha.com and type in a few functions to see how the value of m affects the graph.

For example, if you enter "y=-3x-5" it will show you the graph and some other info.
Steve, that was an excellent explanation.
aww, shucks. >scuff scuff<