Name: __________________________________________ Date: ____________________ Class: ___________

Interpreting Linear Equations (Linear Models)

Directions: Write the equation of each line. Explain what the slope and y-intercept represent in the context of
each graph.

Snowfall in NYC
Graph 1
12
m = ________

Snow Accumulation (Inches)

The slope means ________________________ 10

______________________________________ 8

b = ________
6
The y-intercept means ___________________
4
______________________________________

2
EQUATION: ____________________________

0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Time (Hours)

Water in a Bathtub
Graph 2
300
m = ________
Amount of Water (Gallons)

The slope means ________________________ 250

______________________________________ 200

b = ________
150
The y-intercept means ___________________
100
______________________________________

50
EQUATION: ____________________________

0 2 4 6 8 10 12

Time (Seconds)
 Lemonade Ingredients
Graph 3 180

m = ________
150

Amount of Sugar (Grams)

The slope means ________________________
120
______________________________________
90
b = ________

The y-intercept means ___________________ 60

______________________________________ 30

EQUATION: ____________________________
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Number of Lemons

Reymi’s Bank Account

Graph 4 700

m = ________ 600

The slope means ________________________

500
Money ($)

______________________________________
400
b = ________
300
The y-intercept means ___________________

______________________________________ 200

EQUATION: ____________________________
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Time (Weeks)
Bonus! (extra credit)
Which graph represents a proportional relationship? Justify your reasoning.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key Interpreting Linear Equations (Linear Models)
.
Snowfall in NYC

12
Graph 1

Snow Accumulation (Inches)

10
m=2

The slope means 2 inches of snow per hour 8

b=4
6

The y-intercept means 4 inches of snow on the

ground initially 4

2
EQUATION: y = 2x + 4 OR y = 4 + 2x

0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Time (Hours)

Water in a Bathtub
Graph 2
300
m = 25
Amount of Water (Gallons)

The slope means gallons of water draining per 250

second
200
b = 300

The y-intercept means the tub started with 300 150

gallons of water
100

EQUATION: y = - 25x + 300 OR y = 300 – 25x

50

0 2 4 6 8 10 12

Time (Seconds)
 Lemonade Ingredients
Graph 3
180
m=3

The slope means 3 grams of sugar per 1 lemon 150

Amount of Sugar (Grams)

b=0 120

The y-intercept means 0 grams of sugar for 0

lemons (proportional!) 90

60
EQUATION: y = 3x

30

0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Number of Lemons

Reymi’s Bank Account

Graph 4
700
m=0
600
The slope means Reymi’s bank account does not
increase or decrease (slope = 0)
500
Money ($)

b = 200
400
The y-intercept means his initial value in the
account is $200 and does not change
300

EQUATION: y = 200 200

0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Time (Weeks)
Bonus! (extra credit)
Which graph represents a proportional relationship? Justify your reasoning.

Graph 3 is proportional. The ratio of x to y is constant (3 grams of sugar per 1 lemon) and the y-intercept of the
graph is the origin, (0,0).