I\'ve read the book and every online resource I can find. I can\'t find one answ

Question

I've read the book and every online resource I can find. I can't find one answer dumbed down enough to understand this question or respond. Can someone please explain dumb this all the way down to crayon? I know that linear equations are a straight line. Is this when the answer results in (0, 4)? And how do you get to an answer? I do good to work forward, no idea how to work backwards.

Question:
While we're on the subject, how can we make a non-linear equation? If you can come up with an example, and explain what it is about the equation that makes the graph non-linear that would be helpful.

Explanation / Answer

Linear equations are usually in the form y = mx + b where m is the slope of the line and b is the y intercept.

 

In your example, (0,4) will be the y intercept to the equation y = mx + 4.  If you are given the y intercept and the slope, you can work backwards to find the equation of the line intersecting the y-axis at (0,4).

 

Let's say that the y intercept is (0,4) and the slope of a line is 3. Plug these into the equation y = mx + b and you get y = 3x + 4.

 

Let's say you are give two points on a line and are asked for the equation of the line. For example, find the equation of the line going through the points (2,3) and (0,4). Let's first find the slope, "m." m is found by subtraction the y values and dividing by the x values. That is (y2-y1)/(x2-x1). It doesn't matter which point you choose first. Let's choose (0,4) first. (y2-y1)/(x2-x1)= (4-3)/(0-2) = 1/-2 = - 1/2.

 

To find the y intercept, let x = 0.  Therefore, y = (-1/2)x + 4.

 

I hope this helps you. If others send you better answers, don't hesitate to rate me HELPFUL.

 

 

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