Graphing a Linear Equation
Using Slope Intercept Form

Now that you've completed a lesson on graphing slope you are finally ready to graph linear equations.

There are several different ways to graph linear equations. You've already learned how to graph using a table of values. That's okay for the beginner, but it can be a little time consuming.


Using slope intercept form is one of the quickest and easiest ways to graph a linear equation.

Before we begin, I need to introduce a little vocabulary. We are going to talk about x and y intercepts.

An x intercept is the point where your line crosses the x-axis. The y intercept is the point where your line crosses the y-axis.

We are only going to focus on the y intercept in this lesson, but you'll need to know x intercept for later.

As you work through these examples, if you find that you are really having difficulty, take a look at the Algebra Class E-course. You will have instant access to more examples on video, a lot of practice problems and step-by step answer keys. It may truly be what you need to be successful with graphing equations.

Let's look at an example:




y-intercept

Slope intercept form is used when your linear equation is written in the form:

y = mx+b

x and y are your variables. m will be a numeral, which is your slope. b will also be a numeral and this is the y-intercept.

In this form only (when your equation is written as y = ....) the coefficient of x is the slope and the constant is the y intercept.




slope intercept form





Let's look at a few examples and I promise that you'll LOVE this new way of graphing!





Example 1

slope intercept form

slope intercept form




Example 2

slope intercept form

slope intercept form




Here's a quick summary of this lesson:

Rules for Graphing Using Slope Intercept Form

  • Your y intercept is always the first point that you plot on the line. Your point will always be (0, b).
  • Then use your slope to plot your next point.
  • If you have two points, you can draw a straight line and this is the line that represents your equation. Any point on that line is a solution to the equation.

  • Tip: You have to be very accurate in plotting your points and drawing your lines in order to be able to read your graph to find other solutions!



    Ok... ready to practice?



    slope intercept form

    Click here to move onto the practice problems! Good Luck!




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