Finding Slope and Intercepts from Tables

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This math tutorial guides students through the process of extracting meaningful information from tables of values, treating them with the same analytical approach used for graphs. The narrator, Justin, demonstrates how to calculate slope (rate of change) and identify both y-intercepts (starting values) and x-intercepts (ending values) using three distinct real-world scenarios: an airplane taking off, a cleaning service, and a leaking swimming pool. The video focuses on two main skills: calculation and interpretation. First, it shows step-by-step how to compute the change in Y over the change in X to find the slope. Then, it uses that rate of change to extrapolate data backward to find the zero point (y-intercept). Crucially, the video doesn't just stop at the numbers; it translates these mathematical findings into plain English sentences, explaining what "0" means in the context of flight altitude or pool water levels. This resource is highly valuable for Algebra and Pre-Algebra classrooms as it connects abstract numbers to concrete situations. It models the critical skill of "working backward" in a table to find an initial value, a common hurdle for students. The clear, step-by-step visual breakdowns make it an excellent tool for introducing linear functions, reinforcing the concept of constant rate of change, or helping students transition from graphical to tabular representations of data.