What's y = ax + b?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for an explanation of the equation y = ax + b, which is a linear equation representing a straight line on a graph. The variables 'a' and 'b' are coefficients where 'a' represents the slope of the line and 'b' represents the y-intercept.
Answer
y = ax + b is a linear equation in slope-intercept form; 'a' is the slope and 'b' is the intercept.
The equation y = ax + b is a linear equation in slope-intercept form, where 'a' is the slope and 'b' is the y-intercept.
Answer for screen readers
The equation y = ax + b is a linear equation in slope-intercept form, where 'a' is the slope and 'b' is the y-intercept.
More Information
The slope 'a' determines the steepness of the line, while the y-intercept 'b' indicates where the line crosses the y-axis.
Tips
Sometimes people confuse 'a' and 'b'; remember 'a' is the slope and 'b' is where the line crosses the y-axis.
Sources
- Linear function graphical explorer (ax+b) - Math Open Reference - mathopenref.com
- Y = ax + b - Vocab, Definition, and Must Know Facts | Fiveable - library.fiveable.me