There are 5 linear equations in general form below. Arrange them in order from the one with the greatest y-intercept to the one with the least y-intercept.

Question

-7x-8y=-16, 8x-5y=20, 3x-5y=10, 6x+8y=4, -3x-10y=-30

Answer 1

The equations are in standard form.  Let's convert to slope-intercept form:

 

Ax + By = C

By = -Ax + C

y = (-A/B)x + (C/B)

y = mx + b

 

where the slope m = -A/B and the y-intercept b = C/B.  So for the first equation:

 

-7x - 8y = -16

 

we have A = -7, B = -8 and C = -16.  The the y-intercept is b = C/B = (-16)/(-8) = 2.  Follow the same method to compute the y-intercepts of the remaining equations then arrange them from greatest y-intercept to least.  Remember, negative numbers are smaller than positive numbers.