Identify slope and intercept in y = −2x + 5.
- Compare with y = mx + b.
- At x = 0, y = 5; moving right 1 moves down 2.
Answer: m = −2; y-intercept (0, 5)
Slope-Intercept Form Worksheets
Identify slope and y-intercept, or write a linear equation from a slope and a point.
Learn the skill
Slope-intercept form from equations and tables
The equation y = mx + b describes a nonvertical line. Its slope m is the change in y for each one-unit increase in x, and b is the y-value where the line crosses the y-axis.
A method you can use
- If necessary, rearrange the equation to isolate y.
- Find slope using change in y divided by change in x, keeping the point order consistent.
- Use x = 0 to identify b, or substitute a known point into y = mx + b. Plot the intercept and use the slope to locate another point.
Worked examples
Write 2x + y = 7 in slope-intercept form.
- Subtract 2x from both sides.
- The resulting equation directly shows the coefficient of x and the constant.
Answer: y = −2x + 7
A line contains (1, 5) and (3, 9). Find its equation.
- Slope is (9 − 5)/(3 − 1) = 4/2 = 2.
- Substitute (1, 5): 5 = 2(1) + b, so b = 3.
Answer: y = 2x + 3
Try it yourself
Solve these before opening the answers. The printable sets below give you more practice.
1. Find the slope and y-intercept of y = 3x − 4.
Show answer and explanation
Slope 3; y-intercept (0, −4)
Match the coefficient and constant to y = mx + b.
2. A line passes through (0, 2) and (2, 8). Write its equation.
Show answer and explanation
y = 3x + 2
Slope is (8 − 2)/(2 − 0) = 3; the point at x = 0 gives b = 2.
Before you begin
Understand coordinates and substitute values into a linear equation.
Choose your level
- Easy: Identify m and b in y = mx + b.
- Medium: Find the y-intercept from a slope and one point.
- Hard: Find the slope from two points, then write y = mx + b.
Questions and answer calculations checked on 2026-09-17. How we check worksheets. Free for personal and classroom use.
Preview and print an easy set
Try six questions below, or choose a full set at your level.
1
For y = -4x - 4, identify the slope and y-intercept.
2
For y = -8x - 4, identify the slope and y-intercept.
3
For y = -8x + 4, identify the slope and y-intercept.
4
For y = 2x + 10, identify the slope and y-intercept.
5
For y = 6x - 5, identify the slope and y-intercept.
6
For y = -5x - 12, identify the slope and y-intercept.
Answer Key
1. slope -4; y-intercept (0, -4)2. slope -8; y-intercept (0, -4)3. slope -8; y-intercept (0, 4)4. slope 2; y-intercept (0, 10)5. slope 6; y-intercept (0, -5)6. slope -5; y-intercept (0, -12)