If a linear equation is represented as y = mx + b, what does 'x' represent?

The variable 'x' in the linear equation represented as y = mx + b is identified as the independent variable. This means that 'x' can take on any value, and the value of 'y' will change accordingly based on the equation. In the context of the equation, 'm' represents the slope of the line, which indicates how steep the line is and the direction in which it moves, while 'b' is the y-intercept, the point where the line crosses the y-axis. Thus, 'x' is crucial as it determines the corresponding value of 'y', allowing us to understand the relationship between these two variables within the function. This characteristic of 'x' being able to change freely makes it the independent variable in this linear function context.