Method

Graphing a Linear Equation in Slope-Intercept Form

y = m x + b

The slope

m

and

y -

b

are used to graph the equation. Consider the following function.

y = 2 x - 3

There are three steps to follow to graph it.

Plot the

y -

Intercept

The

y -

intercept

b

can be used to find the the first point the line passes through.

y = 2 x - 3 \Leftrightarrow y = 2 x + (- 3)

The

y -

intercept

b

- 3 .

Plot the point

(0, - 3)

Use the Slope to Plot the Second Point

There should be at least two points to draw a line. The second point can be plotted on the coordinate plane by using the slope

m .

Based on the equation, the slope is

2 .

y = 2 x + (- 3)

This means that the rise is

2

and the run is

1 .

m = \frac{rise}{run} \Leftrightarrow 2 = \frac{2}{1}

From the first point

(0, - 3),

move

1

unit right and

2

units up to plot the second point.

Draw a Line Through the Points

Finally, use a straightedge to draw a line through both points.

This line is the graph of $y = 2 x - 3 .$

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