4.6 Find an Equation of the Line Given the Slope and y-Intercept

Find the equation of the line shown in the graph. Write the equation in slope–intercept form.


[1] [0]

y = - 1 3 x - 3

Step 1 of 7

We need to find the slope and y -intercept of the line from the graph so we can substitute the needed values into the slope-intercept form, y = m x + b .

To find the slope, we choose two points on the graph.

The y -intercept is ( 0 , - 3 ) and the graph passes through ( 3 , - 4 ) .

Step 2 of 7

Find the slope by counting the rise and run.

m = rise run

Step 3 of 7

m = -1 3

Step 4 of 7

Find the y -intercept.

y -intercept  =  (  0  ,  - 3  )

Step 5 of 7

Substitute the values into y = m x + b .

y  =  m x  +  b

Step 6 of 7

y = - 1 3 x + ( - 3 )

Step 7 of 7

y = - 1 3 x - 3