Learn about the equation of a line.

Equation of a Line (Slope-Intercept Form)
$y=mx+b$
where m = slope and b = y-intercept.
To find the slope, use the slope formula:
$m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$

## Video-Lesson Transcript

In this lesson, we’ll review the equation of a line and go over the slope-intercept form which is the most common equation of a line.

It’s called slope-intercept form for a very specific reason.

When we look at the equation, we will know what our slope is and its intercept.

Intercept is where a line segment intersects the axis. The $y$-intercept is the point where the line segment crosses or touches the $y$-axis.

Slope-intercept form is

$y = mx + b$

Where $m =$ slope and $b = y$-intercept

Our formula for slope is

$m = \dfrac{y_1 - y_2}{x_1 - x_2}$

Let’s look at the graph.

Then count the change in $y$ and $x$ from the origin with $(0, 0)$coordinates.

So we have

$m = \dfrac{2}{3}$

Now, let’s refer back to the graph and look where the line intersects the $y$-axis. Meaning, find the point where the line meets the $y$– axis and where the $x$-axis is $0$.

Now, our $y$-interecept is $2$.

So now $b = 2$.

Now, we’re ready to write the slope-intercept form.

Substitute the given and we have

$y = mx + b$ $y = \dfrac{2}{3} x + 2$

So our slope-interecept form is

$y = \dfrac{2}{3} x + 2$

Again, the slope-intercept form is

$y = mx + b$

Where $m =$ slope and $b = y$-intercept.