3-2 Math - Algebra: Linear Equations and Functions

Below are more essential vocabulary words for algebra. 

"Linear" is just the adjective form of the noun "line." As such, a linear equation is the equation we use for a straight line.

For example, the picture depicts two linear equations. The equation for the blue line is y = -x + 5. The equation for the red line is y = ½ x + 2.

When we talk about lines, we often talk about intercepts. The x-intercept is the point where the line crosses the x-axis. The y-intercept is the point where the line crosses the y-axis. The y-intercept is more important for linear equations. The y-intercept for the blue line above is 5. The y-intercept for the red line above is 2. 

We also use the word "slope" to talk about lines. Slope is another word for gradient--how steep the line is. The slope of the blue line is -1. The slope of the red line is ½.