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Graphing Slope
A Prerequisite to Graphing Linear Equations

Accurately graphing slope is the key to graphing linear equations. In the previous lesson, Calculating Slope, you learned how to calculate the slope of a line.

In this lesson, you are going to graph a line, given the slope.

We are still going to use the definition of slope, which is:

slope = rise/run.

Instead of counting the rise and run until you reach the next point, you are going to count the rise and run to plot the next point. You must have at least two points to draw a line.

Let's take a look at the directions and an example.

Steps for Graphing a Line With a Given Slope

Plot a point on the y-axis. (In the next lesson, Graphing with Slope Intercept Form, you will learn the exact point that needs to be plotted first. For right now, we are only focusing on slope.)

Look at the numerator of the slope. Count the rise from the point that you plotted. If the slope is positive, count up and if the slope is negative, count down.

Look at the denominator of the slope. Count the run to the right.

Plot your point.

Repeat the above steps from your second point to plot a third point if you wish.

Draw a straight line through your points.

The trickiest part about graphing slope is knowing which way to rise and run if the slope is negative!

If the slope is negative, then only one - either the numerator or denominator is negative (NOT Both!) Remember your rules for dividing integers? If the signs are different then the answer is negative!

If the slope is negative you can plot your next point by going down and right OR up and left.

If the slope is positive you can plot your next point by going up and right OR down and left.

Example 1 shows how to graph a line with a slope of 2/3.

Example 1

Example 2 shows how to graph a line with a slope of -3.

But, what do we do when the slope doesn't have a denominator? Can we write -3 as a fraction?

Yes.. we can make any integer a fraction by dividing by 1. So, -3/1 is the fraction used to graph slope.

Example 2

Take a look at the following video if you need this concept explained further.

If you want to see this example on video, click here to visit my You Tube channel.

Let's take a look at a few notes that will help you make sure your graphs are correct when graphing linear equations.

When reading the graph from left to right, the line rises if the slope is positive.

When reading the graph from left to right, the line falls if the slope is negative.

The line gets steeper as the absolute value of the slope get larger. (look at the numeral of the slope, not the sign)

For example a slope of 2 is steeper than a slope of 1/4.
A slope of -3 is much steeper than a slope of 1.

Remember these tips about graphing slope because as you start to graph equations, you will be able to check your work to make sure that your graph is correct!

Now that you know how to graph slope, you are ready to move onto using Slope Intercept Form to graph your equations.

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Ready to Move On?

Check out the other lessons in this unit.

Graphing Equations Unit:

Graphing equations using a table of values

Calculating slope

Graphing slope

Using slope intercept form

Rate of Change word problems

Standard Form Equations -
Converting to Slope Intercept Form

Standard form equations -
Using x and y intercepts

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Graphing Slope
A Prerequisite to Graphing Linear Equations

Steps for Graphing a Line With a Given Slope

Example 1

Example 2