Did we ever resolve where the "m" and "b" came from in the equation y = mx +b? Why pick the letter m? Why b?

Question

As far as I know, no one knows why "m" and "b" are used.

Answer 1

http://mathworld.wolfram.com/Slope.html

Answer 2

I haven't seen an explanation for "m" that I like; but one possible one for the "b" is that if you rewrite the equation in the form x/a + y/b = 1, then a is the x-intercept and b is the y-intercept; the letters being chosen because they were the first two in the alphabet.

Answer 3

*this is not a fact, but theory*

the expression of a linear expression is often "ax+b". Since "a" has a special property (namely telling us the gradient/slope), it is renamed as "m" to signify that it's a special value, namely the gradient/slope. (same reason why T represents period or A represents area or V represents volume)

one possible reason why "b" is used is because again the expression of a linear expression is often "ax+b". thus "b" is used. some places use "c" instead of "b", i.e. "y=mx+c". Going outside the box, "c" is used as it is commonly used to represent constants.

Answer 4

I have seen this equation expressed as y = ax + b as well. There is no standard for that notation, but usually u, v, w, x, y, z are used for variables, and other letters for constants.

Answer 5

letters shouldn't scare you. although "m" is denoted the slope, and "b" is the y intercept it doesn't matter at all. you could have alpha and beta symbols if that made you happier. :D

Answer 6

Because they were open variables and easy to write.Would you want to write out 'Slop' and 'Y-intercept' everytime?

Answer 7

isnt it y=mx+c??

c is the gradient...?