Writing Linear Equations from Word Problems

Front

What is a linear equation?

Back

A linear equation is an equation that makes a straight line when graphed. It can be written in the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.

Front

What does the slope (m) represent in a linear equation?

Back

The slope (m) represents the rate of change of the dependent variable (y) with respect to the independent variable (x). It indicates how steep the line is.

Front

What does the y-intercept (b) represent in a linear equation?

Back

The y-intercept (b) is the value of y when x is 0. It is the point where the line crosses the y-axis.

Front

How do you write a linear equation from a word problem?

Back

Identify the variables, determine the relationship between them, and express that relationship in the form of a linear equation.

Front

What is the standard form of a linear equation?

Back

The standard form of a linear equation is Ax + By = C, where A, B, and C are integers, and A should be non-negative.

Front

What is the point-slope form of a linear equation?

Back

The point-slope form is y - y1 = m(x - x1), where (x1, y1) is a point on the line and m is the slope.

Front

How do you find the slope from two points?

Back

The slope (m) can be calculated using the formula m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1), where (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are the two points.

Front

What is a real-world example of a linear equation?

Back

An example is the cost of renting a car, where the total cost can be expressed as y = mx + b, with m being the daily rental rate and b being any fixed fees.

Front

What does it mean to 'solve' a linear equation?

Back

To solve a linear equation means to find the value of the variable that makes the equation true.

Front

What is the significance of the coefficients in a linear equation?

Back

Coefficients indicate the weight or influence of each variable in the equation. They determine how much the dependent variable changes with a change in the independent variable.