Question

What does `y = mx + b` mean?

Answer 1

This is a linear equation. A linear equation is the representation of straight line.

This particular equation is called slope intercept form.

The `m` in the formula is the slope.

The `b` in the formula is where the line intersects the `y`-axis is this called the `y`-intercept.

Answer 2

A linear equation in two variables, `x` & `y`. Graphically it represents, a straight line with slope `m` and `y` - intercept as `b`.

Explanation:

A linear equation (an equation with highest power on variable as 1 ), graphically represents a straight line on 2-D plane (graph).

The given equation is written in slope - intercept form.

In `y = mx + b` :

`m` = slope or gradient of the given line ie representing the value of `tan theta`, where `theta` is the angle made by line with `x` axis anticlockwise (Note : `m` gives value of `tan theta` and not `theta` ).

`b` = `y` - intercept ie the point where the given line cuts the `y` axis.