What is the answer to this equation and how do I solve it?
2007-09-04 18:48:22 · 11 answers · asked by Elroy B 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
The answer to this equation isn't a specific point, but actually a line. The line crosses the y-axis at the point (0, -6), and has a slope of -8/3.
y = mx + b
m = slope
b = y-intercept
2007-09-04 18:53:16 · answer #1 · answered by Doug 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is what we call a function, y is a function of x. In plain English this is an equation that performs operations on any given value of x and gives you the answer as y. but you have to start with a value for x, say x = 3 then the y value is -14 if you picked x = 0 then y = -6 and so on for any value of x you choose. We say the equation doesn't just have one solution but a set of solutions, and you pick that set.
However, since x can be anything from - infinity to + infinity we say, in math talk, the domain of x is -â to +â and the possible outcome of the y values is the range, and it will also be -â to +â.
Lastly, if you plotted, on graph paper, a set of x values and their resulting y values, you will have a straight line with a slope of -8/3, that is a drop of 8 squares for every 3 squares you move to the right, this is why we will call this a linear equation whose line is roughly a diagonal one that runs from the top left corner of your paper to the bottom right corner at an 8/3 vertical to horizontal ratio. And this line will cross the vertical axis 6 squares below the origin (centre of your graph).
2007-09-05 02:15:15 · answer #2 · answered by 037 G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Concept:
The line crosses the y-axis at the point (0, -6), and has a slope of -8/3.
y = mx + b
m = slope
b = y-intercept
to solve it...try putting different values to X and solve it as a linear eq for y..
vote me best answer!!
2007-09-05 01:58:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best you can do is graph it. If there are two variables in a problem, you can't solve for one answer. To graph it start at -6 on the y axis. Then three to the right, eight towards the bottom, and so on, and so on...
Sorry I couldn't help out more!
2007-09-05 01:53:31 · answer #4 · answered by BLLYRCKS 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In order to have unique values of two variables, you need two linear, nonredundant equations. In graphic sense, the answer is where the two lines intersect.
You have infinite number of solutions lying along the line defined by the specified equation.
Hope this helps.
2007-09-05 02:02:43 · answer #5 · answered by vcs7578 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your question doesn't make sense, you can't really solve this equation... because the value of y will change as the value of x changes.
2007-09-05 01:52:17 · answer #6 · answered by jhannise 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is one equation involving two variables. It will have an infinite number of solutions.
For each assumed value of x, we will get a value of y.
2007-09-05 01:57:20 · answer #7 · answered by Debidas M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
actually your question is meaningless as you can never solve one linear equation
you need at least two linear equations to solve them
2007-09-05 01:57:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To solve for y, you must have a value for x.
2007-09-05 01:55:33 · answer #9 · answered by Wile E. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What exactly are you solving for? We need more information.
2007-09-05 01:52:49 · answer #10 · answered by Matiego 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋