The first point to graph in a direct variation equation is (0,0). How can you find another point using the slope?
Practice makes perfect
A direct variation equation follows a certain format.
y= mx
In this form, m represents the slope or constant of variation. If we highlight the coefficient of x in our given equation, we can see that the constant of variation is - 5.
y= - 5x
By rewriting the value - 5 as a fraction - 5 1, we can form a ratio of rise over run.
m=rise/run=-5/1
This slope means that the graph decreases by 5 vertically as it increases by 1 horizontally. The graphs of direct variation equations always pass through the origin, (0,0). Let's plot a point at the origin and use this slope to find another point on the line.
Finally, we complete the graph by sketching a line that passes through both points.
