Predict the result
Identify the slope and y-intercept of y equals negative three x plus five.
Which number multiplies x?

Set up the model
Compare the equation to y equals m x plus b.
The coefficient m is the slope and b is the y-coordinate when x is zero.

Work the example
Here m is negative three and b is five.
Setting x to zero gives y equals five.
The slope is negative three and the y-intercept is the point zero comma five.
The negative slope means y decreases as x increases.

Check the result
Now use y equals two fifths x minus one.
Take eight seconds to think before the answer appears.
[Eight-second silent pause to work; the answer remains hidden.]
The slope is two fifths.
The y-intercept is the point zero comma negative one.

Interpret the result
Report the intercept as a point and the slope as a rate of change.
Use the original task and check that your result fits its meaning.