Representing a Line with an Equation

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 67 views

In mathematics, a linear equation is a polynomial equation of degree one, which means it has the highest power of the variable (usually x) as one. These equations are used to represent lines on a graph, and they have a wide range of applications in various fields, including physics, engineering, and economics. In this article, we will explore the concept of linear equations and graphs, and we will discuss how to determine if two equations represent the same line.

What is a Linear Equation?

A linear equation is an equation in which the highest power of the variable (usually x) is one. It can be written in the form:

y = mx + b

where m is the slope of the line and b is the y-intercept. The slope of a line is a measure of how steep it is, and it is calculated as the ratio of the vertical change (rise) to the horizontal change (run). The y-intercept is the point where the line intersects the y-axis.

Representing a Line with an Equation

To represent a line on a graph, we need to find an equation that satisfies the given conditions. In the problem, Chin is shown a graph of a line that contains the point (1,7). He writes the equation f(x) = 4x + 3 to correctly represent the line. This equation is in the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.

Finding the Slope and Y-Intercept

To find the slope and y-intercept of the line, we can use the given point (1,7) and the equation f(x) = 4x + 3. We can substitute the values of x and y into the equation to get:

7 = 4(1) + 3

Simplifying the equation, we get:

7 = 4 + 3

Subtracting 4 from both sides, we get:

3 = 3

This shows that the equation f(x) = 4x + 3 is true for the point (1,7). Therefore, the slope of the line is 4 and the y-intercept is 3.

Which Equation Could Represent the Same Line?

Now, let's consider the given options and determine which one could represent the same line. We will analyze each option separately.

Option A: y - 7 = 3(x - 1)

To determine if this equation represents the same line, we need to rewrite it in the form y = mx + b. We can do this by expanding the equation:

y - 7 = 3x - 3

Adding 7 to both sides, we get:

y = 3x + 4

This equation is in the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept. Comparing this equation with the original equation f(x) = 4x + 3, we can see that the slope is different (3 vs 4). Therefore, this equation does not represent the same line.

Option B: y - 7 = 4(x - 1)

To determine if this equation represents the same line, we need to rewrite it in the form y = mx + b. We can do this by expanding the equation:

y - 7 = 4x - 4

Adding 7 to both sides, we get:

y = 4x + 3

This equation is in the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept. Comparing this equation with the original equation f(x) = 4x + 3, we can see that the slope and y-intercept are the same (4 and 3). Therefore, this equation represents the same line.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have discussed the concept of linear equations and graphs, and we have analyzed the given options to determine which one could represent the same line. We have seen that the equation y - 7 = 4(x - 1) represents the same line as the original equation f(x) = 4x + 3. This equation has the same slope and y-intercept as the original equation, and it satisfies the given conditions.

Key Takeaways

A linear equation is a polynomial equation of degree one, which means it has the highest power of the variable (usually x) as one.
A linear equation can be written in the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope of the line and b is the y-intercept.
To represent a line on a graph, we need to find an equation that satisfies the given conditions.
The slope and y-intercept of a line can be found using the given point and the equation of the line.
To determine if two equations represent the same line, we need to compare their slopes and y-intercepts.

References

[1] Khan Academy. (n.d.). Linear Equations. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra/x2f6b7d1/x2f6b7d2/x2f6b7d3
[2] Math Open Reference. (n.d.). Linear Equations. Retrieved from https://www.mathopenref.com/linearequations.html

Q: What is a linear equation?

A: A linear equation is a polynomial equation of degree one, which means it has the highest power of the variable (usually x) as one. It can be written in the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope of the line and b is the y-intercept.

Q: How do I represent a line on a graph?

A: To represent a line on a graph, you need to find an equation that satisfies the given conditions. You can use the point-slope form of a linear equation, which is y - y1 = m(x - x1), where (x1, y1) is a point on the line and m is the slope.

Q: How do I find the slope and y-intercept of a line?

A: To find the slope and y-intercept of a line, you can use the given point and the equation of the line. You can substitute the values of x and y into the equation to get the slope and y-intercept.

Q: How do I determine if two equations represent the same line?

A: To determine if two equations represent the same line, you need to compare their slopes and y-intercepts. If the slopes and y-intercepts are the same, then the equations represent the same line.

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

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

Q: How do I use the point-slope form to represent a line on a graph?

A: To use the point-slope form to represent a line on a graph, you need to substitute the values of x and y into the equation and simplify it to get the slope and y-intercept.

Q: What is the slope-intercept form of a linear equation?

A: The slope-intercept form of a linear equation is y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.

Q: How do I use the slope-intercept form to represent a line on a graph?

A: To use the slope-intercept form to represent a line on a graph, you need to substitute the values of x and y into the equation and simplify it to get the slope and y-intercept.

Q: What is the difference between the point-slope form and the slope-intercept form?

A: The point-slope form is used to represent a line on a graph when you know a point on the line and the slope. The slope-intercept form is used to represent a line on a graph when you know the slope and the y-intercept.

Q: How do I graph a linear equation?

A: To graph a linear equation, you need to find two points on the line and plot them on a coordinate plane. Then, you can draw a line through the two points to represent the line.

Q: What is the equation of a line in the form y = mx + b?

A: The equation of a line in the form y = mx + b is a linear equation where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.

Q: How do I find the equation of a line in the form y = mx + b?

A: To find the equation of a line in the form y = mx + b, you need to find the slope and y-intercept of the line. You can use the point-slope form or the slope-intercept form to find the equation.

Q: What is the equation of a line in the form y - y1 = m(x - x1)?

A: The equation of a line in the form y - y1 = m(x - x1) is a linear equation where (x1, y1) is a point on the line and m is the slope.

Q: How do I find the equation of a line in the form y - y1 = m(x - x1)?

A: To find the equation of a line in the form y - y1 = m(x - x1), you need to substitute the values of x and y into the equation and simplify it to get the slope and y-intercept.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have answered some frequently asked questions about linear equations and graphs. These questions cover various topics, including the definition of linear equations, how to represent a line on a graph, and how to determine if two equations represent the same line.

Key Takeaways

A linear equation is a polynomial equation of degree one, which means it has the highest power of the variable (usually x) as one.
A linear equation can be written in the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope of the line and b is the y-intercept.
To represent a line on a graph, you need to find an equation that satisfies the given conditions.
The slope and y-intercept of a line can be found using the given point and the equation of the line.
To determine if two equations represent the same line, you need to compare their slopes and y-intercepts.

References

[1] Khan Academy. (n.d.). Linear Equations. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra/x2f6b7d1/x2f6b7d2/x2f6b7d3
[2] Math Open Reference. (n.d.). Linear Equations. Retrieved from https://www.mathopenref.com/linearequations.html