Notes - Graphs of Linear Functions - y intercept
A graph is simply a visual representation, that means graphing a linear function is simply creating a visual representation of the pattern it represents.[br][br]Linear Functions are patterns with a starting amount, and the output values (y-values) change by a constant addition or subtraction.
So the first question, is how to show the starting amount on the graph.
If it is the starting amount, what input number is it paired up with? For example if there is a pattern that starts at $100 and grows by $15 each week, what week number matches up with the initial $100?
Where on the graph is the input 0?
[color=#ff0000][size=200]*[/size][/color]The starting amount on a graph is the y-intercept. And it is from this point that the pattern proceeds, through an addition or subtraction pattern. [br][br]This matches the [i]b[/i] number in our [math]y=mx+b[/math] equation. And since this is the starting amount it will be the first point that we will add to the graph.