主题 3Algebra

Linear equations in two variables

Read the equation form first to identify slope, intercepts, and what the line means.

核心知识

A linear equation in two variables defines a straight line; every point on that line is a solution, and the equation's form tells you the slope and position of the line.

深入理解

Read the form first. A linear equation in two variables is a line, and the form tells you what to notice.

  • 𝑦 =𝑚𝑥 +𝑏 shows slope and y-intercept directly.
  • 𝐴𝑥 +𝐵𝑦 =𝐶 is useful for intercepts and graphing.
  • 𝑦 𝑦1 =𝑚(𝑥 𝑥1) is best when you know a point and the slope.

The SAT tests whether you can move between these forms, read slope and intercepts, and use them in context. Parallel lines have the same slope, and perpendicular lines have negative reciprocal slopes.