Writing and Graphing Equations in Point-Slope Form

Method

Graphing a Linear Equation in Point-Slope Form

When working with a linear equation in point-slope form, the graph’s line is described by the equation. The known point and slope of the line to is used to find another point. A line is then drawn through the points to create its graph. Consider the following equation. y-1=2(x-2) There are three steps to graph an equation written in point-slope form.

1
Plot the Point Given by the Equation
expand_more
The point-slope form gives a point through which the line passes. This point needs to be identified first in order to graph it on the coordinate plane. Consider the given equation and compare it with the general equation in point-slope form. y- y_1&=m(x- x_1) y- 1&=2(x- 2) The point used to write the given equation is ( 2, 1). This point will be drawn on the coordinate plane.

2
Use the Slope to Find a Second Point
expand_more
Next, a second point on the line can be found by using the slope. y-y_1&= m(x-x_1) y-1&= 2(x-2) In this case, the given equation has a slope of 2, which can be written as 21. Therefore, a second point can be plotted by going 1 unit to the right and 2 units up.

3
Draw a Line Through the Two Points
expand_more
Finally, the line described by the equation in the point-slope form will be found by drawing a line through the two plotted points.

Exercises
Edit Lesson