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

The slope-intercept form of a linear equation is represented as ( y = mx + b ). In this format, ( m ) denotes the slope of the line, which indicates how steep the line is and in which direction it ascends or descends. The value ( b ) represents the y-intercept, which is the point where the line crosses the y-axis.

This form is particularly useful because it allows for easy visualization and interpretation of a linear relationship. By knowing the slope, one can determine how much ( y ) increases or decreases when ( x ) changes. Additionally, the y-intercept provides a starting point for graphing the line.

In summary, the equation ( y = mx + b ) clearly delineates both the slope and the intercept, making it a fundamental representation in algebra for linear equations.