y=-2x-1

how to set up to find what x is, this needs to graph as a linea equation.

To find the value of x that satisfies the equation y = -2x - 1 and graphs as a linear equation, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Understanding the equation format
The equation is in slope-intercept form (y = mx + b), where m represents the slope and b represents the y-intercept.

Step 2: Identify the slope (m) and y-intercept (b)
In the given equation, the coefficient of x (-2) represents the slope, and the constant term (-1) represents the y-intercept.

Step 3: Plot the y-intercept
To graph a linear equation, start by marking the y-intercept on the y-axis. In this case, the y-intercept is -1. So, plot a point on the graph at (0, -1).

Step 4: Determine the slope and plot additional points
Since the slope is -2, it means that for every unit increase in x, y decreases by 2 units. Use this information to plot additional points on the graph.

For example, if you increase x by 1 unit, y would decrease by 2 units. This gives you a new point at (1, -3). If you decrease x by 1 unit, y would increase by 2 units. This gives you another point at (-1, 1).

Step 5: Connect the points
After plotting the points, draw a straight line passing through these points. This line represents the graph of the equation y = -2x - 1.

Step 6: Find the value of x
To find a specific value of x, you need to examine the graph or substitute values for y into the equation and solve for x algebraically.

For example, if you want to find the x-value when y = -5, you can substitute -5 for y in the equation:
-5 = -2x - 1

Now, you can solve this equation for x:
-5 + 1 = -2x
-4 = -2x
x = -4 / -2
x = 2

Therefore, when y = -5, the corresponding x-value is 2.