Units for m & b in y=mx+b Equation

[chelseaalyssa]

Homework Statement

In an equation of the format y=mx + b, where y=(m₁-m₂)g and x=acceleration (m/s²) ... what are the units for m and b?
(I know that m is the slope and b is the y-intercept, but what do they mean?)

Thanks :)

 

[Redbelly98]

Welcome to PF

Each term, "mx" and "b", must have the same units as y.

So, first question: what are the units of y?

Next question, what units for m would result in mx having those same units?

 

[chelseaalyssa]

The units of y = kg x m/s^2

Therefore, the units of b must equal kg x m/s^2 as well.

In order for mx to have the same units as y, the units of m should be kg right?

Thanks for your help!

 

[chelseaalyssa]

Also - does kg x m/s^2 equal Newtons?

 

[Redbelly98]

Yes, to everything you said/asked in post #'s 3 & 4

(I know that m is the slope and b is the y-intercept, but what do they mean?)

That depends on the context, i.e. on the specific details of what x and y are and how they were measured or calculated.

 

[chelseaalyssa]

Ok great, Thanks!