Verified Answer :

  • Identify that the slope \(m = -\frac{5}{3}\) indicates a vertical decrease of 5 units for every 3 units of horizontal increase.
  • Utilize the slope-intercept form \(y = mx + b\) to express the relationship.
  • Substitute the given slope into the formula to obtain the general linear equation \(y = -\frac{5}{3}x + b\).
  • Conclude that the specific case passing through the origin is \(\boxed{y = -\frac{5}{3}x}\).

Explanation

  1. Analysis of the Slope Condition

The slope, denoted by \(m\), represents the rate of change of a linear relationship. Given a slope of \(m = -\frac{5}{3}\), this indicates that for every 3 units of horizontal movement to the right, the line moves 5 units vertically downward. This value characterizes the steepness and direction of a line in the coordinate plane. Since no specific point or y-intercept is provided, we can define the general linear relationship as \(y = mx + b\), where \(b\) is the y-intercept. Substituting the given slope, the general equation for such a line is \(y = -\frac{5}{3}x + b\).

  1. Formulating the Linear Equation

A linear equation of the form \(y = -\frac{5}{3}x + b\) represents a set of all points \((x, y)\) that satisfy the condition of having a constant rate of change of \(-\frac{5}{3}\). If we assume the simplest case where the line passes through the origin \((0, 0)\), the y-intercept \(b\) is 0, and the equation simplifies to \(y = -\frac{5}{3}x\). Any other specific value for \(b\) would translate this line vertically along the coordinate plane.

  1. Conclusion and Final Equation

In summary, the slope \(-\frac{5}{3}\) dictates the behavior of the linear function. For any change \(\Delta x\), the change in \(y\) is \(\Delta y = -\frac{5}{3} \Delta x\). This confirms the downward trend of the line as it moves from left to right. The general equation describing this relationship is \(y = -\frac{5}{3}x + b\), where \(b\) is any real number constant representing the y-intercept. If we define the line passing through the origin as the reference, we have \(\boxed{y = -\frac{5}{3}x}\).

Examples

Consider a situation where a hiker is descending a mountain path. If the hiker moves forward 3 meters horizontally while dropping 5 meters in elevation, the slope of the path is \(\frac{\text{rise}}{\text{run}} = \frac{-5}{3} = -1.67\). Understanding this slope allows engineers and hikers to calculate the total change in elevation over a given horizontal distance, helping in planning safe trails and estimating travel time based on the steepness of the terrain.