Proof of y-intercept: Prove or Disprove

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In summary, the statement "In the equation y=mx+b, b is the y-intercept" is true. To prove this, we can use the formula y = 0x + b, which simplifies to y = b. This shows that at any point on the y-axis, the x-coordinate is 0, proving that b is indeed the y-intercept. This can also be applied to the more complicated equation of ax+by+c=0, where the y-intercept is always equal to -c/b, as long as b is not equal to 0.
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Homework Statement



Prove or Disprove: In the equation y=mx+b, b is the y-intercept.



The Attempt at a Solution



I know that this statement is true, and i know that to prove anything I am suppossed to use a formula, not give examples. but how should i go about doing this if the formula is the question?
 
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  • #2
At any point on the y-axis, what is the x-coordinate?
 
  • #3
The y intercept occurs when x = 0 right... that is the definition of the y intercept. Thus:

y = 0x + b... y = b
There is no real other way to prove this that isn't just being really obvious...
 
  • #4
It seems to prove it to me. Even though it's obviously simple, it still does the job it's meant to.

For another "slightly" more complicated one, prove the y-intercept for the line ax+by+c=0 is always -c/b, where [itex]b\neq 0[/itex]. This is basically the same thing, just a bit more complicated since it wouldn't usually be done in 1 simple step. Getting to quadratics complicates things more-so.
 

FAQ: Proof of y-intercept: Prove or Disprove

What is a y-intercept?

A y-intercept is the point where a line crosses the y-axis on a graph. It is the value of y when x is equal to 0.

How do you prove the existence of a y-intercept?

To prove the existence of a y-intercept, you must show that the line crosses the y-axis at a specific point. This can be done by plugging in x=0 into the equation of the line and solving for y.

3. Can a line have more than one y-intercept?

No, a line can only have one y-intercept. This is because the y-axis is a vertical line and a line can only intersect it at one point.

4. Is it possible for a line to have a y-intercept of 0?

Yes, it is possible for a line to have a y-intercept of 0. This means that the line crosses the y-axis at the origin (0,0).

5. How can you disprove the existence of a y-intercept?

To disprove the existence of a y-intercept, you would need to show that the line is parallel to the y-axis and does not intersect it at any point. This can be done by graphing the line or by showing that the equation of the line does not have a constant term.

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