Graphing Linear Equations

Front

What is a linear equation?

Back

An equation that makes a straight line when graphed, typically in the form y = mx + b.

Front

What does the 'b' in y = mx + b represent?

Back

The y-intercept, which is the point where the line crosses the y-axis.

Front

What is the slope of a line?

Back

The slope (m) indicates the steepness of the line and the direction it goes; it is the ratio of the rise (change in y) over the run (change in x).

Front

How do you find the slope from two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2)?

Back

Slope (m) = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1).

Front

What does it mean if the slope is positive?

Back

The line rises from left to right.

Front

What does it mean if the slope is negative?

Back

The line falls from left to right.

Front

What is the standard form of a linear equation?

Back

Ax + By = C, where A, B, and C are integers.

Front

How can you graph a linear equation using the slope-intercept form?

Back

Start at the y-intercept (b) on the y-axis, then use the slope (m) to find another point.

Front

What is the x-intercept?

Back

The point where the line crosses the x-axis (y=0).

Front

How do you find the x-intercept from the equation y = mx + b?

Back

Set y to 0 and solve for x: 0 = mx + b.