Graphing Linear Equations

Graphing Linear Equations

Linear Graph

An equation whose graph is a line is a linear equation. You can plot points on a coordinate plane to graph a linear equation.

Example: y = -4x + 4.

X and Y Intercepts

Linear equations have x and y-intercepts. The x-intercept is the x-coordinate of the point at which the graph crosses the x-axis. The y-intercept is the y-coordinate of the point at which the graph crosses the y-axis. 

Multiple Choice

What is the x-intercept of the graph?

• (5,0)

• (0,5)

• (0,4)

• (4,0)

Multiple Choice

What is the y-intercept?

• (0,15)

• (3,0)

• (15,0)

• (0,3)

Multiple Choice

What is the x-intercept?

• (-2,0)

• (0-6)

• (0,-2)

• (-6,0)

Multiple Choice

What is the y-intercept?

• (2,0)

• (0,2)

• (0,-2)

• (-2,0)

Graphing an Equation

You need only 2 points to graph a line. You can choose a value for x, and then evaluate for y.

Make a Table of Values or T-Chart

Choose a value for x, plug in, and solve for y. Do this 2 or 3 times. Then, use the points to graph your equation.

Build a t-chart

Graph

Plot each ordered pair. Connect with a line.