The Equation of a Line y=mx+c
In this activity we want to see how the equation of a line written in the form y=mx+c relates to the graph of that line.
In the applet below we have sliders m and c. Changing there value results in a change to the line plotted and its equation written below the sliders.
Move the sliders, paying attention to what happens to the graph and the corresponding equation.
Then answer the questions below.
Move the sliders to create new functions.
Pay attention to the intercepts.
Y- Intercept
What do you notice about the y- intercept on the graph? (How does it relate to the corresponding equation?)
m
What effect does changing the 'm' slider have on the graph and its equation?
m is the ________ of the line. What is the missing word?
If given the equation of the line but not its graph, explain how you could find the y-intercept.
A graph of a line has a slope of -4 and a y-intercept of 5.
What is its equation?