y= mx + c

Understanding “y = mx + c”

This formula is known as the equation of a straight line in the Cartesian coordinate system.
In this formula, y and x are the coordinates of a point on the line.
m stands for the gradient or slope of the line.
c is the y-intercept, the point where the line crosses the y-axis.

How to Interpret “y = mx + c”

The value of m determines how steep the line is. A larger m results in a steeper line.
The sign of m (plus or minus) determines the direction of the line. A positive m implies the line rises from left to right. A negative m implies the line falls from left to right.
The value of c can be found by looking at where the line crosses the y-axis. If c is positive, the line crosses above the origin (0,0). If c is negative, it crosses below the origin.

How to Draw a Line Using “y = mx + c”

Calculate the value of y for a chosen number for x using the equation. This will give a point on the line.
Repeat this process for another number for x to generate a second point on the line.
Plot the two points on a graph and draw a line through these points. This line represents the equation.

Applying “y = mx + c”

The equation can be used to predict the value of y for any given x on the line, or vice versa.
It can be utilised to draw graphs of real-life situations, such as determining how cost depends on the number of items bought.
This equation is the foundation of linear equations, an important topic in algebra.