Using Linear Models Graphing a Linear Model, Interpret the y-intercept

http://mrpilarski.wordpress.com/2009/10/30/using-linear-models-graphing-a-lin...

In this post I will discuss writing a linear model or linear equation to represent a problem situation. Once the equation is written, I will identify and interpret the y-intercept.

A spring has a length of 8 cm when a 20-g mass is hanging at the bottom end. Each additional gram stretches the spring another 0.15 cm. Write an equation for the length y of the spring as a function of the mass x of the attached weight. Graph the equation. Interpret the y-intercept.
Understanding the first sentence of the problem and how the values are related is key to writing the equation. From the first sentence it can be concluded that the length of the spring will depend on the amount of weight attached to the spring. This means the weight is the independent variable and the length of the spring is the dependent variable.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• writing a linear model
• writing a linear equation
• problem solving
• interpreting the y-intercept

[DaCaW96]

Turn the damn music off. It's really distracting.

[MrPilarski]

@DaCaW96 The music it is there and I can't take it off now. In more recent videos, I do not use the music because of comments like yours. Thanks for the feedback.

[wolfdemon001]

im glad there some1 who makes math cool

[MrPilarski]

@wolfdemon001 How am I making math cool?

[wolfdemon001]

@MrPilarski its somewhat funner to learn the way you teach it

[MrPilarski]

@wolfdemon001 Okay! Thanks!!

[MrPilarski]

@dhangs72 Cool. I am glad my video on using linear models was useful to you.

[dhangs72]

very good..

[MrPilarski]

Excellent! Glad I could help you with linear models.

[Cronoz007]

thx for the videos it helped me out on my homework and test