What is the equation of a line in slope-intercept form?

The equation of a line in slope-intercept form is defined as (y = mx + b), where (m) represents the slope of the line and (b) is the y-intercept, which is the point where the line crosses the y-axis. This form is particularly useful because it immediately gives you important characteristics of the line: the slope indicates how steep the line is and in which direction it goes (upward or downward), while the y-intercept provides a specific point on the graph.

This format allows for easy graphing and analysis of linear relationships. For example, if the slope (m) is positive, the line inclines upwards from left to right, and if the slope is negative, it declines. Knowing the value of (b) enables you to plot where the line will intersect the y-axis, enhancing your ability to quickly sketch the graph of the line.

The other options do not conform to the standard representation of a line in slope-intercept form, making them unsuitable for this question. Observing the structure of each provides valuable insight into their differences from the correct form.