How do I graph a linear equation? What do I place for each axis?
http://www.math.com/school/subject2/lessons/S2U4L3GL.html
To graph a linear equation, you need to plot points on a coordinate plane and then connect them with a straight line. The coordinate plane consists of two perpendicular lines, known as the x-axis and the y-axis.
Here is how you can graph a linear equation step by step:
1. Write the equation in the form y = mx + b: This is called the slope-intercept form, where m represents the slope and b represents the y-intercept.
2. Identify the slope (m): The slope determines the steepness of the line. If the equation is not in slope-intercept form, you may need to rearrange it to find the slope.
3. Identify the y-intercept (b): The y-intercept is the point where the line crosses the y-axis. It is represented as (0, b), where b is the y-intercept value.
4. Start plotting points: Begin by plotting the y-intercept point on the coordinate plane. Next, use the slope to find additional points on the line.
- If the slope is positive: From the y-intercept, go up (positive direction) m units on the y-axis and over 1 unit on the x-axis to find another point. Continue this process to find more points.
- If the slope is negative: From the y-intercept, go down (negative direction) m units on the y-axis and over 1 unit on the x-axis to find another point. Continue this process to find more points.
5. Connect the points: Once you have plotted multiple points, draw a straight line through them. The line should extend beyond the plotted points to show its continuation indefinitely.
6. Label the axes: On the x-axis, place the values of the independent variable (typically x), and on the y-axis, place the values of the dependent variable (typically y). Make sure to include number labels along each axis to indicate the scale.
Remember that linear equations represent straight lines, so if your equation is not linear or doesn't follow a straight line pattern, the steps mentioned above might not apply.