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Examples
Raul bought a palm tree to plant at his house. He records the growth over many months and creates the equation h=0.21m+4.9, where h is the height of the palm tree in feet and m is the number of months. Interpret the slope and y-intercept from his equation.Clarifications
Clarification 1: Problems include conversions with temperature and equations of lines of fit in scatter plots.Benchmark Instructional Guide
Connecting Benchmarks/Horizontal Alignment
Terms from the K-12 Glossary
- Intercept
- Linear Equation
- Slope
Vertical Alignment
Previous Benchmarks
Next Benchmarks
Purpose and Instructional Strategies
In grade 7, students solved real-world problems involving proportional relationships. In grade 8, students interpret the slope and -intercept of a two-variable linear equation within a real-world context when given a written description, a table, a graph or an equation. In Algebra 1, students will solve mathematical and real-world problems that are modeled by linear functions, and will interpret key features of the graph in terms of the context.- The purpose of this benchmark is to focus on interpreting the slope and -intercept in a real-world context using information from a table, graph or written description.
- Students identify the rate of change (slope) and initial value (-intercept) from tables, graphs, equations or verbal descriptions. Students recognize that if the value = 0 is in a table, the -intercept is the corresponding -value. Otherwise, the -intercept can be found by substituting a point and the slope into the slope-intercept form of the equation and solving for the -intercept. The slope can be determined by finding the ratio between the change in two -values and the change between the two-corresponding -values.
- Using graphs, students identify the -intercept as the point where the line crosses the -axis and the slope as the vertical change divided by the horizontal change. In a linear equation, the coefficient of is the slope and the constant is the -intercept. Students should have practice with equations in formats other than = + , such as = + or = + .
- Instruction includes using a variety of vocabulary to make connections to real-world concepts and future courses. To describe the slope, one can say either “the vertical change divided by the horizontal change” or “rise over run.”
- In contextual situations, the -intercept is generally the starting value or the value in the situation when the independent variable is 0.
- The slope is the rate of change that occurs in the problem. Rates of change can often occur over years. In these situations it is helpful for the years to be "converted" to the number of years since the start year.
- For example, the years of 1960, 1970, and 1980 could be represented as 0 for 1960, 10 for 1970 and 20 for 1980.
- Students use the slope and -intercept to write a linear function in the form = + .
- Students should remember to interpret the line of fit within the context of the data provided by the scatter plot (MA.8.DP.1.3). The line of fit is meant to understand the general trend of data, but it might not be able to explain everything about it.
- For mastery of this benchmark, it is not the expectation to compare slopes or -intercepts of two linear equations in two variables.
- Instruction includes learning about linear relationships within other content areas. Students should recognize that the conversion between Fahrenheit and Celsius represents a linear relationship, but not a proportional one. Memorization of the formulas is not an expectation of the benchmark.
- The formula for converting Fahrenheit to Celsius is: = ( − 32).
- The formula for converting Celsius to Fahrenheit is: = + 32.
Common Misconceptions or Errors
- Students may incorrectly identify the slope and -intercept.
- Students may incorrectly interpret the slope and -intercept.
- The misconceptions of this benchmark may develop for some students based on the real-world context of the problems presented. To address this misconception, scaffold questions to help students understand the context.
Strategies to Support Tiered Instruction
- Teacher supports students who incorrectly identify the values for the slope and -intercept by providing opportunities for students to notice patterns between a given value for , a line graphed on the coordinate plane, and a given equation of the same line.
- Teacher supports students who incorrectly calculate the slope by inverting the change in and the change in using error analysis tasks, in which the expression
is incorrectly written as 
, and have students find and correct the error. - Teacher co-creates an anchor chart naming the slope and -intercept of a given line and then discusses where to start when graphing the line.
- Teacher provides graphs and equations of several linear equations then co-illustrates connections between the slopes and -intercepts of each line to the corresponding parts of each equation using the same color highlights.
- Instruction includes utilizing a three-read strategy. Students read the problem three different times, each with a different purpose.
- First, read the problem with the purpose of answering the question: What is the problem, context, or story about?
- Second, read the problem with the purpose of answering the question: What are we trying to find out?
- Third, read the problem with the purpose of answering the question: What information is important in the problem?
Instructional Tasks
Instructional Task 1 (MTR.7.1)The graph below shows a scatter plot and its line of fit for data collected on the height and foot length of a sample of 10 male students.
- Part A. What does the graph indicate about the relationship between foot length and height?
- Part B. The equation of the line of fit is = 1.5 − 4.3, where is foot length in millimeters and is height in centimeters. Explain the meaning of the slope and the -intercept of this equation in the context of the data.
Instructional Items
Instructional Item 1At Stay-a-While Coffee shop, they display their internet fees on a chart like the one shown below. Determine the slope for the relationship between the number of minutes, , and the amount charged, .
Instructional Item 2
Joshua adopted a puppy from a dog shelter. He records the puppy’s height over many months and creates the equation = + 3, where is the height of the puppy, in feet, and is the number of months. Interpret the slope and -intercept from his equation.
*The strategies, tasks and items included in the B1G-M are examples and should not be considered comprehensive.
Related Courses
Related Access Points
Related Resources
Formative Assessments
Lesson Plans
Original Student Tutorials
Perspectives Video: Professional/Enthusiast
Problem-Solving Tasks
Teaching Idea
STEM Lessons - Model Eliciting Activity
In this Model Eliciting Activity, MEA, students create a plan for a movie theater to stay in business. Data is provided for students to determine the best film to show, and then based on that decision, create a model of ideal sales. Students will create equations and graph them to visually represent the relationships.
Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. Click here to learn more about MEAs and how they can transform your classroom.
MFAS Formative Assessments
Students are asked to identify, describe and compare the slopes of two proportional relationships given the graph of one and the equation of the other.
Students are asked to determine and interpret the initial values of two functions represented in different ways (equation and graph), and compare them.
Students are asked to determine the rate of change and initial value of a linear function when given a graph, and to interpret the rate of change and initial value in terms of the situation it models.
Students are asked to determine the rates of change of two functions presented in different forms (an expression and a table) and determine which is the greater rate of change within a real-world context.
Students are asked to graph a proportional relationship, given a table of values, and find and interpret the slope.
Students are given a graph of a proportional relationship and asked to determine the unit rate of the relationship and compare it to the slope of the graph.
Students are asked to determine the rate of change and initial value of a linear function given a table of values, and interpret the rate of change and initial value in terms of the situation it models.
Students are asked to interpret a specific solution and the y-intercept of a linear equation that describes a context.
Students are asked to determine a specific value of two functions given in different forms (a graph and a verbal description) within a real-world context, and compare them.
Original Student Tutorials Mathematics - Grades 6-8
Learn to construct a function to model a linear relationship between two quantities and determine the slope and y-intercept given two points that represent the function with this interactive tutorial.
Explore how to interpret the slope and y-intercept of a linear trend line when bivariate data is graphed on a scatterplot in this interactive tutorial.
This is part 5 in 6-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in the series.
Learn how to use the equation of a linear trend line to interpolate and extrapolate bivariate data plotted in a scatterplot. You will see the usefulness of trend lines and how they are used in this interactive tutorial.
This is part 6 in 6-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in the series.
Student Resources
Original Student Tutorials
Learn to construct a function to model a linear relationship between two quantities and determine the slope and y-intercept given two points that represent the function with this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to use the equation of a linear trend line to interpolate and extrapolate bivariate data plotted in a scatterplot. You will see the usefulness of trend lines and how they are used in this interactive tutorial.
This is part 6 in 6-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in the series.
- Scatterplots Part 1: Graphing
- Scatterplots Part 2: Patterns, Associations and Correlations
- Scatterplots Part 3: Trend Lines
- Scatterplots Part 4: Equation of the Trend Line
- Scatterplots Part 5: Interpreting the Equation of the Trend Line
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Explore how to interpret the slope and y-intercept of a linear trend line when bivariate data is graphed on a scatterplot in this interactive tutorial.
This is part 5 in 6-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in the series.
- Scatterplots Part 1: Graphing
- Scatterplots Part 2: Patterns, Associations and Correlations
- Scatterplots Part 3: Trend Lines
- Scatterplots Part 4: Equation of the Trend Line
- Scatterplots Part 6: Using Linear Models
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Problem-Solving Tasks
In this task, students are asked to determine the unit price of a product under two different circumstances. They are also asked to generalize the cost of producing x items in each case.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task asks the student to graph and compare two proportional relationships and interpret the unit rate as the slope of the graph. Students are also asked to write an equation and graph each scenario.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
Students will answer questions about unit price of coffee, make a graph of the information, and explain the meaning of constant of proportionality/slope in the given context.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
The primary purpose of this task is to elicit common misconceptions that arise when students try to model situations with linear functions. This task, being multiple choice, could also serve as a quick assessment to gauge a class' understanding of modeling with linear functions.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task would be especially well-suited for instructional purposes. Students will benefit from a class discussion about the slope, y-intercept, x-intercept, and implications of the restricted domain for interpreting more precisely what the equation is modeling.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
In this resource, real-world bivariate data is displayed in a scatter plot. The equation of the linear function which models the relationship between the two variables is provided, and it is graphed on the scatter plot. Students are asked to use the model to interpret the data and to make predictions.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task provides the opportunity for students to reason about graphs, slopes, and rates without having a scale on the axes or an equation to represent the graphs. Students who prefer to work with specific numbers can write in scales on the axes to help them get started.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
In this problem-solving task students are challenged to apply their understanding of linear relationships to determine the amount of chicken and steak needed for a barbecue, which will include creating an equation, sketching a graph, and interpreting both. This resource also includes annotated solutions.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
Students are asked to create and graph linear equations to compare the savings of two individuals. The purpose of the table in (a) is to help students complete (b) by noticing regularity in the repeated reasoning required to complete the table.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task asks students to reason about the relative costs per pound of two fruits without actually knowing what the costs are. Students who find this difficult may add a scale to the graph and reason about the meanings of the ordered pairs. Comparing the two approaches in a class discussion can be a profitable way to help students make sense of slope.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
Construct a function to model a linear relationship between two quantities. Determine the rate of change and initial value of the function from a description of a relationship or from two (x,y) values, including reading these from a table or from a graph. Interpret the rate of change and initial value of a linear function in terms of the situation it models, and in terms of its graph or a table of values.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
In this problem-solving task students are challenged to apply their understanding of linear relationships to determine the amount of chicken and steak needed for a barbecue, which will include creating an equation, sketching a graph, and interpreting both. This resource also includes annotated solutions.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This problem-solving task asks students to find a linear function that models something in the real world. After finding the equation of the linear relationship between the depth of the water and the distance across the channel, students have to verbalize the meaning of the slope and intercept of the line in the context of this situation. Commentary and illustrated solutions are included.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task asks the student to understand the relationship between slope and changes in x- and y-values of a linear function.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This activity challenges students to recognize the relationship between slope and the difference in x- and y-values of a linear function. Help students solidify their understanding of linear functions and push them to be more fluent in their reasoning about slope and y-intercepts. This task has also produced a reasonable starting place for discussing point-slope form of a linear equation.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
Parent Resources
Problem-Solving Tasks
In this task, students are asked to determine the unit price of a product under two different circumstances. They are also asked to generalize the cost of producing x items in each case.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task provides a unique application of modeling with mathematics. Also, students often think that time must always be the independent variable and so may need some help understanding that one chooses the independent and dependent variable based on the way one wants to view a situation.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
Students graph proportional relationships and understand the unit rate as a measure of the steepness of the related line, called the slope. Students will also treat slopes more formally when they graph proportional relationships and interpret the unit rate as the slope of the graph.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task asks the student to graph and compare two proportional relationships and interpret the unit rate as the slope of the graph. Students are also asked to write an equation and graph each scenario.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
Students will answer questions about unit price of coffee, make a graph of the information, and explain the meaning of constant of proportionality/slope in the given context.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task could be put to good use in an instructional sequence designed to develop knowledge related to students' understanding of linear functions in contexts. Though students could work independently on the task, collaboration with peers is more likely to result in the exploration of a range of interpretations.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task has students engaging in a simple modeling exercise, taking verbal and numerical descriptions of battery life as a function of time and writing down linear models for these quantities. To draw conclusions about the quantities, students have to find a common way of describing them.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
The primary purpose of this task is to elicit common misconceptions that arise when students try to model situations with linear functions. This task, being multiple choice, could also serve as a quick assessment to gauge a class' understanding of modeling with linear functions.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task would be especially well-suited for instructional purposes. Students will benefit from a class discussion about the slope, y-intercept, x-intercept, and implications of the restricted domain for interpreting more precisely what the equation is modeling.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
In this resource, real-world bivariate data is displayed in a scatter plot. The equation of the linear function which models the relationship between the two variables is provided, and it is graphed on the scatter plot. Students are asked to use the model to interpret the data and to make predictions.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task provides the opportunity for students to reason about graphs, slopes, and rates without having a scale on the axes or an equation to represent the graphs. Students who prefer to work with specific numbers can write in scales on the axes to help them get started.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
In this problem-solving task students are challenged to apply their understanding of linear relationships to determine the amount of chicken and steak needed for a barbecue, which will include creating an equation, sketching a graph, and interpreting both. This resource also includes annotated solutions.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
Students are asked to create and graph linear equations to compare the savings of two individuals. The purpose of the table in (a) is to help students complete (b) by noticing regularity in the repeated reasoning required to complete the table.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task asks students to reason about the relative costs per pound of two fruits without actually knowing what the costs are. Students who find this difficult may add a scale to the graph and reason about the meanings of the ordered pairs. Comparing the two approaches in a class discussion can be a profitable way to help students make sense of slope.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
Construct a function to model a linear relationship between two quantities. Determine the rate of change and initial value of the function from a description of a relationship or from two (x,y) values, including reading these from a table or from a graph. Interpret the rate of change and initial value of a linear function in terms of the situation it models, and in terms of its graph or a table of values.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
In this problem-solving task students are challenged to apply their understanding of linear relationships to determine the amount of chicken and steak needed for a barbecue, which will include creating an equation, sketching a graph, and interpreting both. This resource also includes annotated solutions.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This problem-solving task asks students to find a linear function that models something in the real world. After finding the equation of the linear relationship between the depth of the water and the distance across the channel, students have to verbalize the meaning of the slope and intercept of the line in the context of this situation. Commentary and illustrated solutions are included.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task asks the student to understand the relationship between slope and changes in x- and y-values of a linear function.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This activity challenges students to recognize the relationship between slope and the difference in x- and y-values of a linear function. Help students solidify their understanding of linear functions and push them to be more fluent in their reasoning about slope and y-intercepts. This task has also produced a reasonable starting place for discussing point-slope form of a linear equation.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
