Question

A line passes through the points (p,a) and (p,-a) where p and a are real numbers. If p=0, what is the y-intercept? Explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

So, it gives us (p,a) and (p,-a), it says p=0

Answer 2

so, in theory you would replace p with 0, so (0,a) (0,-a)

Answer 3

then, given the knowledge that p AND a are real numbers, (1,2,3,4,etc) you would replace variable a with a number to give yourself graphable points

Answer 4

so, lets give variable a the number.... 3 for instance

Answer 5

(0,3) (0,-3)

Answer 6

now that you have that you can graph the points and create the line

Answer 7

i suggest using https://desmos.com/ for the graph

Answer 8

NOTE: p=x and a=y

Answer 9

thats my thinking*

Answer 10

now, after graphing that, you notice that the line is directly on the y axis as x=0

Answer 11

meaning that the y-intercept is \(\color{cyan}{all~real~numbers}\), this means any numbers -3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3 etc.

Answer 12

so you can explain your answer from there.

\(\color{violet}{--Problem~finished--}\)

Answer 13

@happypotato you understand this?

Answer 14

Yes! You explained it very well! Thank you so much!

Answer 15

This was very very helpful!!!!

Answer 16

@happypotatooo you're welcome, this was actully my first math question done as a Human Calculator, so it was fun to do