Understanding the Equation Y = mx + b in Position-Time Graphs

[pdot]

i am currently taking physics 11. i have seen this equation before, but my class is at such a fast pace i couldn't fully learn what this equation ment. i am working on a position time graph, what exactly does this equation mean? what does the letter " b " resemble?

 

[gneill]

That's the equation of a straight line on the x-y plane. m is the slope of the line. b is the y-intercept.

 

[pdot]

and the y intercept is where the line crosses the y-axis right?

 

[gneill]

and the y intercept is where the line crosses the y-axis right?

Right. Also where x = 0.

 

[TylerH]

Perhaps an example would help. http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=y=3x+1

You can substitute different values in where m and b would be, and see how it affects the line.