Question

The table of values represent a linear function. Write an equation in slope-intercept form that represents the function.

Answer 1

Let's take the first value of x and y.

When x = 4, y = -3. This also gives us point

(4, -3). We need another point to find the slope.

From the table I see the point (5, -4.5)

.

See it?

Let m = slope

m = (-4.5 -(-3))/(5-4)

m = (-4.5 + 3)/1

m = (-1.5)/1

m = -1.5

Now, use the slope m and one of the points to plug into the point-slope formula.

Here is the point-slope formula:

y - y_1 = m(x - x_1)

I will use the point (4, -3) and m.

y - (-3) = -1.5(x - 4)

y + 3 = -1.5x + 6

The slope-intercept form we want is

y = mx + b.

y = -1.5x + 3