Graphing linear equations

Front

What is a linear equation?

Back

A linear equation is an equation that makes a straight line when graphed. It can be written in the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.

Front

What does the slope (m) represent in a linear equation?

Back

The slope (m) represents the steepness of the line and the direction it goes. A positive slope means the line goes up, while a negative slope means it goes down.

Front

What is the y-intercept (b) in a linear equation?

Back

The y-intercept (b) is the point where the line crosses the y-axis. It is the value of y when x is 0.

Front

How do you identify the slope from the equation y = mx + b?

Back

The slope is the coefficient of x (m) in the equation.

Front

What is the slope of the equation y = 2x + 3?

Back

The slope is 2.

Front

What is the y-intercept of the equation y = -x + 2?

Back

The y-intercept is 2.

Front

How do you graph the equation y = 1/2x + 0?

Back

Start at the y-intercept (0,0) and use the slope (1/2) to rise 1 unit up and run 2 units to the right.

Front

What does it mean if a line has a slope of 0?

Back

A slope of 0 means the line is horizontal and does not rise or fall.

Front

What does it mean if a line has an undefined slope?

Back

An undefined slope means the line is vertical and does not run left or right.

Front

How can you tell if a graph represents a positive slope?

Back

If the line goes up from left to right, it has a positive slope.