Question 217416
In this equation what do the letters x and y  represent
y=mx+b


my understanding is that m is the slope and b in the y intercept


You are correct that m is the slope and b is the y-intercept at x=0.


The x and y are coordinates of a point on a rectangular coordinate system.


So let's say m=2 and b=1


Then at x=1 y=mx+b=2*1+b=3  


Then at x=0 y=2*0+1=1.


Using these two points you can plot a line as shown below and note the slope of 2 (one unit to the right means two units up) and y-intercept=b=1 at x=0 or at point (0,1):


{{{graph(400,400,-10,10,-10,10, 2x+1)}}}


I hope the above steps were helpful. 


For free Step-By-Step Videos on Introduction to Algebra, please visit http://www.FreedomUniversity.TV/courses/IntroAlgebra or for Trigonometry visit http://www.FreedomUniversity.TV/courses/Trigonometry.


And good luck in your studies!


Respectfully,
Dr J