In y = mx + b, what does b represent?

Prepare for the Geometry CBE Exam with targeted resources. Access interactive quizzes and detailed explanations to master geometric concepts effectively and excel in your test!

Multiple Choice

In y = mx + b, what does b represent?

In the equation y = mx + b, the constant b is the y-intercept. This term tells you where the line crosses the y-axis. If you set x = 0, you get y = m(0) + b = b, so the line passes through the point (0, b). For example, if b = 4, the line goes through (0, 4); if b = -2, it goes through (0, -2). The x-intercept is found by setting y = 0, which gives x = -b/m, not b. The line hits the origin only when b = 0.

In the equation y = mx + b, the constant b is the y-intercept. This term tells you where the line crosses the y-axis. If you set x = 0, you get y = m(0) + b = b, so the line passes through the point (0, b). For example, if b = 4, the line goes through (0, 4); if b = -2, it goes through (0, -2). The x-intercept is found by setting y = 0, which gives x = -b/m, not b. The line hits the origin only when b = 0.

More practice questions