Step by step
The question
Question: write 2x − y = −3 as y = mx + b.
We want y by itself.
Then we can read m and b.
1 Remove the 2x
We want y by itself.
The 2x is in the way.
To remove 2x, we take away 2x.
We do it on both sides, so they stay equal.
2x and − 2x make zero.
Cross them out.
Write what is left.
−3 and − 2x are not like terms.
They stay as they are.
We write the x part first, like in y = mx + b.
Each part keeps its sign.
2 Remove the −1
−y means −1 times y.
We want just y.
To remove times −1, we divide by −1.
We do it on both sides, so they stay equal.
−1 divided by −1 is 1.
So just y is left.
The −1 divides the whole right side.
So it divides every part: −2x and −3.
Each part keeps its sign on top.
Minus over minus is plus.
−2x divided by −1 is 2x.
Minus over minus is plus.
−3 divided by −1 is 3.
So y = 2x + 3.
3 Read m and b
m is the number in front of x: 2.
It is the slope.
b is the number on its own: 3.
The line crosses the y-axis at 3.
That point is called the y-intercept.
4 Check
Let's check with a point.
Put x = −1 into y = 2x + 3.
We get y = 1.
Now put x = −1 and y = 1 into 2x − y.
We get −3, the same as the right side.
So the new equation is right!
Let's look back.
First: remove the 2x.
Then: remove the −1.
Then: read m and b.
Last: check.