Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) Practice Exam

What is the slope-intercept form of a linear equation?

1. y=mx+b

2. -b±[√b²-4ac]/2a

3. (a-b)(a+b)

4. (a+b)(c+d)

The correct answer is: y=mx+b

The slope-intercept form of a linear equation is represented as \(y = mx + b\), where \(m\) stands for the slope of the line, and \(b\) represents the y-intercept, the point at which the line crosses the y-axis. This form is particularly useful because it provides a clear and straightforward way to understand the characteristics of a linear relationship. The slope, \(m\), indicates how steep the line is and the direction it goes (upward for positive slopes and downward for negative slopes), while the y-intercept, \(b\), gives the exact location where the line begins on the y-axis. The other options represent different mathematical concepts: the formula involving \(b\), \(a\), and \(c\) pertains to the quadratic formula used for solving quadratic equations, while the expressions involving \(a\) and \(b\) are factored forms that do not relate to linear equations as they focus on multiplication or factoring expressions. Therefore, \(y = mx + b\) is the definitive representation of the slope-intercept form of a linear equation.