Converting the equation Y = 1/2x + 4 to standard form is a fundamental concept in algebra. The standard form of a linear equation is Ax + By = C, where A, B, and C are constants. To convert the given equation to standard form, we'll perform a series of simple steps.
What is Standard Form?
Standard form is a way of writing a linear equation in a specific format. It's used to represent a line on a graph. The standard form of a linear equation is:
Ax + By = C
Where:
- A is the coefficient of x (the number in front of the x)
- B is the coefficient of y (the number in front of the y)
- C is the constant term
Converting Y = 1/2x + 4 to Standard Form
To convert the equation Y = 1/2x + 4 to standard form, we need to rearrange the terms to match the standard form format. Here's the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Multiply Both Sides by 2
To eliminate the fraction, multiply both sides of the equation by 2. This will get rid of the 1/2 coefficient.
2Y = 2(1/2x + 4)
This simplifies to:
2Y = x + 8
Step 2: Rearrange the Terms
Now, let's rearrange the terms to match the standard form format. Subtract x from both sides and add 8 to both sides:
-x + 2Y = 8
Step 3: Write the Equation in Standard Form
The equation is now in standard form:
-x + 2Y = 8
Or, if you prefer to have a positive coefficient for x:
x - 2Y = -8
Benefits of Standard Form
Writing equations in standard form has several benefits. It allows us to:
- Easily identify the coefficients and constant term
- Compare equations and determine if they are equivalent
- Graph lines on a coordinate plane
- Solve systems of linear equations
Conclusion
Converting the equation Y = 1/2x + 4 to standard form is a simple process that involves multiplying both sides by a coefficient and rearranging the terms. The resulting equation, x - 2Y = -8, is in standard form and can be used for graphing, comparing, and solving systems of linear equations.
What is the standard form of a linear equation?
+The standard form of a linear equation is Ax + By = C, where A, B, and C are constants.
Why is it important to write equations in standard form?
+Writing equations in standard form allows us to easily identify the coefficients and constant term, compare equations, graph lines on a coordinate plane, and solve systems of linear equations.
How do I convert an equation to standard form?
+To convert an equation to standard form, multiply both sides by a coefficient to eliminate fractions, then rearrange the terms to match the standard form format.