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AlgebraMediumEquation from intercepts

Algebra practice question

A line in the xy-plane has x-intercept 6 and y-intercept 4. Which equation represents the line?

  1. A. y = −(2/3)x + 4Correct
  2. B. y = (2/3)x + 4
  3. C. y = −(3/2)x + 4
  4. D. y = −(2/3)x + 6

Answer: A. y = −(2/3)x + 4

Through (6, 0) and (0, 4): slope = (4 − 0)/(0 − 6) = −2/3, intercept 4.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. y = (2/3)x + 4
A positive slope would not reach the x-axis at a positive x from a positive y-intercept.
C. y = −(3/2)x + 4
−3/2 is the reciprocal slope (run over rise).
D. y = −(2/3)x + 6
6 is the x-intercept, not the y-intercept.

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