Graph of ax+by=c: How a,b,c Affects Graph

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on how the parameters a, b, and c in the equation ax + by = c affect its graphical representation. Participants explore various scenarios and implications of these parameters, including specific cases where a or b may equal zero.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the graphical effects of varying a, b, and c in the equation ax + by = c.
  • One participant suggests rewriting the equation in matrix form and asks about the implications of c being equal to zero versus not equal to zero.
  • Another participant provides a method for finding the intersection point of the lines represented by different configurations of the equation.
  • Participants discuss specific cases: if both a and b are zero, the implications for c and the existence of solutions; if b is zero and a is non-zero, the resulting graph; if a is zero and b is non-zero, the corresponding graph; and if both a and b are non-zero, how to express y in terms of x and c.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the implications of the parameters a, b, and c, as participants present various scenarios and interpretations without resolving the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the implications of the cases discussed, particularly regarding the existence of solutions when both a and b are zero, and the graphical representations in different scenarios.

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How does a,b,c effects the equation ax+by=c graphically. Thanks!
 
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sahilmm15 said:
How does a,b,c effects the equation ax+by=c graphically. Thanks!
Write it as ##\begin{bmatrix} a & b \end{bmatrix} \cdot \begin{bmatrix} x \\ y \end{bmatrix}=c ## and ask again. What does ##c=0 ## and ##c\neq 0## mean, and what stands ##(a,b)## for?
 
Go to www.desmos.com/calculator/
Type in
ax+by=c
ax=c
by=c
(a,b)
y=(b/a)x

Find the x-coordinate of the intersection
by plugging in the last equation into the first equation and solve for x.

Solve the y=(b/a)x for x.
Plug that new equation into the first equation and solve for y

How far is that point from the origin? Call it d.
Enter another equation
r=d
 
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sahilmm15 said:
How does a,b,c effects the equation ax+by=c graphically. Thanks!
If a = 0 and b = 0, the equation is 0x + 0y = c. What can you say about c? Does this equation have any solutions?
If b = 0, and ##a \ne 0##, the equation is ax = c, or ##x = \frac c a##. What does the graph of this equation look like?

If a = 0 and ##b \ne 0##, the equation is by = c, or ##y = \frac c b##. What does the graph of this equation look like?

If ##a \ne 0## and ##b \ne 0## solve for y in terms of x and the constant c. What does the graph of this equation look like?
 
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