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b. What is the \( y \)-intercept of the line for each equation? What does it mean in this context?

Ask by Kirk Colon. in the United States
Mar 09,2025

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The \( y \)-intercept of a line is the point where the line crosses the \( y \)-axis, which is when \( x = 0 \). It is represented by \( b \) in the equation \( y = mx + b \). In this context, the \( y \)-intercept shows the value of \( y \) when \( x \) is zero, often indicating the starting amount before any changes occur.

Solution

1. An equation of a line is often written in slope-intercept form: \[ y = mx + b \] where \( m \) is the slope and \( b \) is the \( y \)-intercept. 2. The \( y \)-intercept is found by setting \( x = 0 \). When \( x = 0 \), the equation becomes: \[ y = m(0) + b = b \] Thus, the \( y \)-intercept is \( b \), and it corresponds to the point \( (0, b) \) on the graph. 3. In this context, the \( y \)-intercept \( (0, b) \) represents the value of \( y \) when the independent variable \( x \) is zero. Depending on the scenario being modeled, it often signifies the initial or starting amount of the quantity represented by \( y \) before any changes (as indicated by \( x \)) occur.

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The \( y \)-intercept of a line is the point where the line crosses the \( y \)-axis, which happens when \( x = 0 \). To find it, substitute \( x = 0 \) into the equation of the line, and solve for \( y \). In practical terms, this value represents the starting point or initial value of a situation modeled by the equation, such as the initial inventory in a business scenario or the starting temperature in a science experiment. For example, if you have a linear equation for distance over time, the \( y \)-intercept could represent how far an object has traveled at time zero, which gives us essential context for understanding the line's behavior. It’s like the opening scene of a movie; it sets the stage for everything that follows!

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