Example 1

The following graph shows a linear model that approximates the relationship between the size of a home and how much it costs. The [i]x[/i]-axis represents size in square feet, and the [i]y[/i]-axis represents cost in dollars. Calculate the slope and the [i]y[/i]-intercept of the linear model, and describe what these values mean in terms of housing prices.

[list=1] [*]Find the equation of the linear fit. [*]Determine the units of the slope. [*]Describe what the slope means in context. [*]Determine the units of the [i]y[/i]-intercept. [*]Describe what the [i]y-[/i]intercept means in context. [/list] This applet is provided by Walch Education as supplemental material for their mathematics programs. Visit [url="http://www.walch.com"]www.walch.com[/url] for more information on their resources.