Equivalence of Linear Equations

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 65 views

Introduction

In mathematics, the slope-intercept form of a linear equation is a fundamental concept used to represent lines on a coordinate plane. The slope-intercept form is given by the equation $y = mx + b$ , where $m$ is the slope of the line and $b$ is the y-intercept. In this article, we will explore the concept of equivalent equations in slope-intercept form and determine which of the given equations are equivalent to the equation $y=\frac{2}{3}x-4$ .

Understanding Slope-Intercept Form

The slope-intercept form of a linear equation is a unique way to represent a line on a coordinate plane. The equation is given by $y = mx + b$ , where $m$ is the slope of the line and $b$ is the y-intercept. The slope $m$ represents the rate of change of the line, while the y-intercept $b$ represents the point where the line intersects the y-axis.

Equivalence of Linear Equations

Two linear equations are said to be equivalent if they represent the same line on a coordinate plane. In other words, if two equations have the same slope and y-intercept, they are equivalent. To determine if two equations are equivalent, we can compare their slopes and y-intercepts.

Given Equation

The given equation is $y=\frac{2}{3}x-4$ . This equation is in slope-intercept form, where the slope is $\frac{2}{3}$ and the y-intercept is $-4$ .

Option A: $3x - 2y = 4$

To determine if this equation is equivalent to the given equation, we need to rewrite it in slope-intercept form. We can do this by isolating $y$ on one side of the equation.

3x - 2y = 4

-2y = -3x + 4

y = \frac{3}{2}x - 2

This equation is not equivalent to the given equation, as the slope is different.

Option B: $2x - 3y = 12$

To determine if this equation is equivalent to the given equation, we need to rewrite it in slope-intercept form. We can do this by isolating $y$ on one side of the equation.

2x - 3y = 12

-3y = -2x + 12

y = \frac{2}{3}x - 4

This equation is equivalent to the given equation, as the slope and y-intercept are the same.

Option C: $-4(2x - 3y) = -4(12)$

To determine if this equation is equivalent to the given equation, we need to rewrite it in slope-intercept form. We can do this by isolating $y$ on one side of the equation.

-4(2x - 3y) = -4(12)

-8x + 12y = -48

12y = 8x - 48

y = \frac{2}{3}x - 4

This equation is equivalent to the given equation, as the slope and y-intercept are the same.

Option D: $2(x + 6) = 3y$

To determine if this equation is equivalent to the given equation, we need to rewrite it in slope-intercept form. We can do this by isolating $y$ on one side of the equation.

2(x + 6) = 3y

2x + 12 = 3y

3y = 2x + 12

y = \frac{2}{3}x + 4

This equation is not equivalent to the given equation, as the y-intercept is different.

Option E: $2x - 3y = 12$

This equation is the same as Option B, which we have already determined to be equivalent to the given equation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the equations that are equivalent to $y=\frac{2}{3}x-4$ when written in slope-intercept form are:

Option B: $2x - 3y = 12$
Option C: $-4(2x - 3y) = -4(12)$

These equations have the same slope and y-intercept as the given equation, making them equivalent. The other options do not have the same slope and y-intercept, making them not equivalent.