SOLUTION: How do you get the slope by using the y-intercept?

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: How do you get the slope by using the y-intercept?       Log On


   



Question 468447: How do you get the slope by using the y-intercept?
Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


You cannot determine the slope using only the -intercept, or by using any other single point for that matter. You need two points to uniquely determine a line.

Consider the equation where is any real number. The graph is a line passing through the origin with a slope of . The -intercept is the origin, but the slope is and since is any real number, there are an infinite number of lines with the the specified -intercept all with different slopes.

John

My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it
The Out Campaign: Scarlet Letter of Atheism