Calculate Rate of Change: Finding the Slope of y=7-3x

Linear Functions with Negative Slopes

Given the linear function:

y=73x y=7-3x

What is the rate of change of the function?

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:06 Let's find the rate of change in this function.
00:09 First, let's arrange the equation properly.
00:12 The rate of change here is called the slope, represented by the letter M.
00:17 We will use the straight line equation to help us.
00:21 Now, let's compare and find the slope, using the straight line equation.
00:27 And there you have it, that's how you solve the question!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Given the linear function:

y=73x y=7-3x

What is the rate of change of the function?

2

Step-by-step solution

To identify the rate of change of the linear function y=73x y = 7 - 3x , we need to determine the slope of the equation.

The given function is in the form of y=mx+b y = mx + b , where m m is the slope or rate of change.

In the equation y=73x y = 7 - 3x , we notice that it can be rewritten as y=3x+7 y = -3x + 7 . Comparing this with the standard form y=mx+b y = mx + b , we find that the coefficient of x x is -3, meaning m=3 m = -3 .

Therefore, the rate of change of this linear function is 3-3.

Thus, the correct answer is m=3 m = -3 .

3

Final Answer

m=3 m=-3

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Standard Form: In y = mx + b, m is the slope
  • Technique: Rewrite y = 7 - 3x as y = -3x + 7
  • Check: Coefficient of x equals slope: -3x means m = -3 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing the y-intercept with the slope
    Don't identify 7 as the slope because it comes first = wrong answer! The 7 is the y-intercept (where the line crosses the y-axis). Always identify the coefficient of x as the slope.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

What is the solution to the following inequality?

\( 10x-4≤-3x-8 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why is the slope negative in this problem?

+

The slope is -3 because of the negative sign in front of the 3x term. A negative slope means the line goes downward from left to right - as x increases, y decreases.

What's the difference between slope and y-intercept?

+

In y=mx+b y = mx + b , the slope (m) tells you how steep the line is, while the y-intercept (b) tells you where the line crosses the y-axis. Here, slope = -3 and y-intercept = 7.

Does the order of terms matter?

+

No! Whether you write y=73x y = 7 - 3x or y=3x+7 y = -3x + 7 , it's the same equation. The slope is still the coefficient of x, which is -3.

How do I remember which number is the slope?

+

Look for the number attached to x! In any linear equation, the coefficient of x is always the slope. If there's no visible number, like in y = x + 2, the coefficient is 1.

What does a slope of -3 mean in real life?

+

A slope of -3 means for every 1 unit you move right, you go down 3 units. It's like going down a steep hill - the rate of change is 3 units down per 1 unit across.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Linear Functions questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations