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Use the interactive to graph the line with a y-intercept of –2 and slope of –1/3.

What is the x-intercept of the line?

User Ruiwen
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1 Answer

4 votes

Answer:

The x-intercept is -6.

Explanation:

You could use a graphing calculator, which would make it so much easier to find, but under the circumstances you aren't allowed to do so, you should:

1) Start from the y-intercept. In your case, it is -2. Since the y-intercept is negative, you want to apply the slope in a certain way.

The line will remain the same if your slope is -1/3 or if it is 1/-3. In your case, since your y-intercept is -2, you want to apply the slope 1/-3.

2) Move the point (0,-2) up 1, then left 3. This will get you the point (-3,-1). Your final answer should be in the format (x,0).

3) Now, move the point (-3,-1) up 1, then left 3. This will result in your point being (-6,0). Notice how the y-value is 0, so this is your final answer.

Keep in mind that this technique will not always be so easy to use. This particular problem is fine, though.

User Alex Kennberg
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4.1k points