Simple high-school math problems

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around high-school math problems, specifically focusing on graphing linear equations using x and y intercepts, slope-intercept form, and solving a linear equation. Participants seek clarification and assistance with these concepts as part of their homework.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how to graph by stating the x and y intercepts and how to determine those values for given equations.
  • Another participant explains that the x-intercept occurs when y=0 and the y-intercept occurs when x=0, providing a definition of intercepts.
  • Some participants mention that the equations are already in slope-intercept form and discuss how to identify the slope (m) and y-intercept (b) from the equation.
  • There is a suggestion that any two points can be used to graph straight lines, with x and y intercepts being the easiest to work with.
  • One participant provides a step-by-step approach to solving a specific equation using the distributive property and other algebraic principles.
  • Another participant cautions against posting full solutions to homework problems, indicating a concern for academic integrity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the definitions and methods for finding intercepts and graphing linear equations, but there is a disagreement regarding the appropriateness of posting full solutions to homework problems. The discussion remains unresolved on this point.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference the distributive property and algebraic principles without fully resolving the steps involved in solving the equation presented. There is also a lack of consensus on the appropriateness of sharing complete solutions in a homework context.

vegaaan
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Simple high-school math problems!

I really need some help! I am pretty bad at math and am having an awful lot of trouble with my homework.

1.) How do I graph by stating the x and y intercepts? How do I figure out what those are?

ex. x + y = 7
3x - 2y = 6

2.) How do I graph using the slope intercept form (y = mx + b)?

ex. y= -2x + 3
y = x - 2

3.) And lastly, how do I solve this question

0.2(4n + 1) = 0.5(n-2)??
! I just realized I posted this in the wrong forum. Sorry
 
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1) Start with the definition of the x and y intercepts. What do they mean and how do they help you graph?

2) Look up the form y=mx+b to find out what m and b are, and learn how to find and use them.

3) Have you used the distributive property before?

The distributive property says that:

[tex]a(b + c) = a*b + a*c[/tex]
 
1) x-intercept when y=0
y-intercept when x=0

2) They are already in the y=mx + b form
Say y=2x-3, then m=2 and b=-3
that is, the gradient is 2 and the y intercept is at y=3 (since x=0, mx=0)
 
ok dude, it seems like your only doing y=mx+b graphs right now.

Since there's lines are always straight, we just get any 2 points and draw the line that connects them. any 2 are fine, but x and y ints are easiest to work out, because zeros easy to work with.
 
vegaaan said:
How do I graph by stating the x and y intercepts? How do I figure out what those are?

ex. x + y = 7
3x - 2y = 6

To find the x-intercept, let y = 0 and solve the equation for x.
To find the y-intercept, let x = 0 and solve the equation for y.

In x + y = 7, both the x and y intercepts are 7.

In 3x - 2y = 6, the x-intercept is 2, and the y-intercept is -3.


vegaaan said:
How do I graph using the slope intercept form (y = mx + b)?

ex. y= -2x + 3
y = x - 2

In the equation y = mx + b, m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.

With regard to y = -2x + 3, you already know that (0,3) is a solution, since 3 is the y-intercept. Simply substitute another value for either x or y, solve the equation, plot the point, and graph the line. This is no different than graphing any other linear equation.

The same is true for y = x - 2. FYI, the coefficient of x is the slope, so in this case the slope is equal to 1.

And lastly, how do I solve this question

vegaaan said:
0.2(4n + 1) = 0.5(n-2)??

You solve it like any other equation. Start by removing the parenthesis by using the distributive property. This property states a(b + c) = ab + ac. So, your equation then becomes:

0.8n + 0.2 = 0.5n - 1

From here you can use the subtraction principle to cancel the 0.5n:

0.3n + 0.2 = -1

Use that principle again to cancel the 0.2:

0.3n = -1.2

Now use the division principle to solve for n:

n = 4
 
For the future, you should never post full solutions to homework problems.
 
z-component said:
For the future, you should never post full solutions to homework problems.

My bad, I'm new to this forum. Sorry about that.
 

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