Identifying the Features of a Graph

1.11.4 Identifying the Features of a Graph

1.11.4 • Identifying the Features of a Graph

For questions 1 – 3, consider the equation $1.5 x + 4.5 y = 18$ .

If we graph the equation, what is the slope of the graph?

Compare your answer:

The slope is $- \frac{1}{3}$ . Rearranging the equation to isolate $y$ gives $y = - \frac{1}{3} x + 4$ .

Where does the graph intersect the $y$ -axis?

The graph intersects the $y$ -axis at $(0, 4)$ . The $4$ in $y = - \frac{1}{3} x + 4$ tells us where the graph crosses the $y$ -axis.

Where does it intersect the $x$ -axis?

The graph intersects the $x$ -axis at $(12, 0)$ . Substituting 0 for $y$ in the original equation and solving for $x$ gives $x = 12$ .