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

The slope-intercept form of a linear equation is expressed as ( y = mx + b ), where ( m ) represents the slope of the line and ( b ) denotes the y-intercept, which is the point where the line crosses the y-axis. This format is particularly useful because it directly shows how the dependent variable (y) changes in relation to the independent variable (x), reflecting the linear relationship.

In this equation:

• The coefficient ( m ) provides information about the steepness and direction of the line. If ( m ) is positive, the line rises as it moves from left to right; if ( m ) is negative, the line falls.

• The constant ( b ) indicates the value of ( y ) when ( x = 0 ), giving insight into the vertical position of the line on the graph.

Understanding this format allows for quick graphical interpretation and the ability to identify critical features of the line, such as its slope and intercepts.

Other possible forms provided in the choices do not represent the slope-intercept format. For instance, the quadratic form ( y = ax² + bx + c ) describes a parabolic equation rather than a linear relationship. The point-s