1. **State the problem:** We are given the function $y = (x - 1)$ and need to understand or analyze it. 2. **Formula and explanation:** This is a linear function of the form $y = mx + b$ where $m$ is the slope and $b$ is the y-intercept. 3. **Identify slope and intercept:** Here, $m = 1$ (coefficient of $x$) and $b = -1$ (constant term). 4. **Find intercepts:** - **x-intercept:** Set $y=0$, solve $0 = x - 1$ which gives $x = 1$. - **y-intercept:** Set $x=0$, then $y = 0 - 1 = -1$. 5. **Summary:** The line crosses the x-axis at $(1,0)$ and the y-axis at $(0,-1)$ with a slope of 1. **Final answer:** The function is a straight line with slope 1 and y-intercept -1.