Problem...MATH...help please!?

Question

using a graphing calc i was to make a table and a graph for the equation Y=8.7x

the default equation i just learned is Mx+B=Y..b is the flat rate

I did that but then there is a question that asks...

"What do the facts that m=8.7 and b=0 mean in terms of bridge thickness and breaking weight?"

8.7 would be the breaking weight of a bridge but i dont get this question. any help GREATLY appreciate

Answer 1

If 8.7x = y (and b = 0) then
for x =1, y = 8.7
for x = 10, y = 87

If b = 1 and 8.7x + 1 = y then
for x = 1, y = 9.7
for x = 10, y = 88

Does this help?
Can you write out a chart of values and look for a relationship
such as the thicker the bridge, the bigger the breaking point, and show the pattern of the rate of increase?

I would have to know more about what the variables stand for
to interpret the meaning.

Just for example only:
If 8.7 is the max. weight a bridge can hold
if x is the number of bridges
if y is the total weight
and b is the thickness of the bridge

then if b = 0 (zero thickness doesn't make sense
but this is just an example)
x=1 means one bridge can hold y weight or 8.7
x=10 ten bridges can hold weight 87

when b = 1 in thickness
one bridge can hold 9.7
ten bridges can hold 88

Do you see what I mean?
Does this help you to come up with the right way to do this?