Algebra Honors (Period 4)

Chapter 4-2 Writing Equations in Slope-Intercept Form

We usually use the slope- intercept form of the line as our  ”template”

We know that y = mx + b so we can substitute that in what we know (what the problem gives us as information) and solve for whatever we are missing

It helps to memorize this little rhyme (Mrs Sobieraj made it up!)

Oh mystery line,
What could you be?
If I could just find you,
 y = mx + b
First I’ll find m,
Then I’ll find b
Then I’ll put it all together
And I will see: 
y = mx + b

The rhyme has 3 steps and usually you will have 3 steps or questions to ask yourself:

1) Do I have the slope (m)? If not find it by using the slope formula or counting it if you have the graph—(carefully pick two sets of integer points)

2) Do I have the y- intercept (b) ? If not, find it by plugging in a point and the slope and solving for b or if you have the graph, just read it on the y axis.

3) Remember: Put it all together in ONE equation at the end!

There are FIVE general cases of mystery lines

First Case: 
You are given the slope and the y intercept (that is the easiest case) 
For example:  you are given m = 3/2 and b = - 7/5

Just plug in to the generic slope intercept equation

y = (3/2)x – 7/5

Second Case:
You have a graph of a line and need to determine the equation
Look at the graph and find 2 easy points to use to find the slope ( make sure they are integers) If the y intercept is not an integer—then follow the FOURTH CASE (below) completely!

Put the information together in y = mx + b form

Third Case:
You are given a point and the slope and need to find the intercept ( b)
Example: ( 3, 1)is a point on the line and m = 2

Plug in the point and the slope and find b

That is, start with y = mx + b 
You have a point ( 3, 1) plug it in to that equation:

1 = (2)(3) + b
1 = 6 + b

-5 = b or
b = -5

Now put it altogether with the given slope of m = 2 and the y intercept ( b) which you just found

y = 2x – 5

Fourth Case:
You are given a point and the y intercept and need to find the slope > Let’s use the point ( 3, 1) again but this time you are given b = 2

Again you can use y = mx + b . This time, however you are solving for m ( the slope)
1 = 3m + 2
-1 = 3m

-1/3 = m
m = -1/3

Again, NOW put it all together with the given intercept and the slope you just found
 y = (-1/3)x + 2

Fifth Case:
You are given 2 points on a line and need to find the slope and the y intercept
Example: ( 1, 3) and ( -2, -3) are 2 points on the line

You first need to find the slope using the formula
m = change in y/ change in x

m = (-3 -3)/(-2-1)  or  (3--3)/(1--2)  which really is (3+3)/(1+2) or
6/3 = 2

Now plug the slope in with one ( you get to pick—it will work with either) of the points and find the intercept, b

3 = 2(1) + b

3 = 2+b

b = 2

Finally put it all together

y = 2x +1