Which of the following statements best represents the y-intercept for linear function g?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking which option correctly identifies the y-intercept of a linear function based on its graph and given points. The key concepts involve understanding linear functions and how to determine their y-intercepts from a graph.
Answer
The y-intercept is the point $(0, 2)$.
Answer for screen readers
The y-intercept is the point $(0, 2)$.
Steps to Solve
-
Understand the y-intercept The y-intercept of a linear function is the point where the line crosses the y-axis. This occurs when $x = 0$.
-
Identify the points on the graph The graph passes through the points $(-2, 1)$ and $(2, 3)$. We can use these points to find the equation of the line.
-
Calculate the slope of the line The slope $m$ can be calculated using the formula:
$$ m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} $$
Substituting in our points, we have:
$$ m = \frac{3 - 1}{2 - (-2)} = \frac{2}{4} = \frac{1}{2} $$
- Use point-slope form to find the line's equation Using one of the points, say $(2, 3)$, we can apply the point-slope form of a line:
$$ y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) $$
Substituting in gives:
$$ y - 3 = \frac{1}{2}(x - 2) $$
Simplifying this:
$$ y - 3 = \frac{1}{2}x - 1 $$
$$ y = \frac{1}{2}x + 2 $$
- Determine the y-intercept from the equation From the simplified equation $y = \frac{1}{2}x + 2$, we see that the y-intercept is $2$. Thus, the point is $(0, 2)$.
The y-intercept is the point $(0, 2)$.
More Information
The y-intercept represents the value of $y$ when $x$ is zero. In this case, it shows that the linear function crosses the y-axis at the point $(0, 2)$. This characteristic is essential for understanding linear equations and their graphs.
Tips
- Confusing the y-intercept with other points on the graph. Always remember that the y-intercept occurs where the line crosses the y-axis ($x=0$).
- Miscalculating the slope, which can lead to incorrect lines and consequently wrong intercepts. Double-check your slope calculations.
AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify critical information