Why is B used in the slope intercept form?

Answer 1

A linear graph is a graph in the form of a straight line which extends unbroken in opposite directions. It can be modeled by the equation y=mx+b in which y (or f(x) as it's commonly called) is the line, m is the slope (rise/run) of the line, x is a value which you substitute into the equation for an output of y (that's how you fine the points of a line, an input of x and an output of y for the point (x,y)), and b is your y-intercept (the value of y if x=o, also where the line crosses the y-axis. Every line will have a y-intercept unless it's undefined (ex: x=6 produces a straight vertical line which crosses the x-axis as 6. every point for the line x=6 has 6 as an x value so they look like (6,y).))

If you are asking the reason for B contrary to a different variable, I'm sorry to say I don't have an answer for that nor do I know if there is an answer. It might be one of those things with a "just because" answer.

-skerr7464