In the slope-intercept equation y = mx + b, what does b represent?

In the slope-intercept form of a linear equation, given by y = mx + b, the variable "b" is significant because it represents the y-intercept of the line. The y-intercept is the point at which the line crosses the y-axis on a graph. This is where the value of x is zero, meaning when you substitute x = 0 into the equation, y will equal b.

Understanding the concepts of slope and intercepts is fundamental in graphing linear equations. The slope, represented by "m," indicates the steepness and direction of the line, while the y-intercept indicates the starting point of the line when graphed on a coordinate plane. Thus, recognizing that "b" is the y-intercept helps in visualizing how the line will behave as x varies.