Graphing a Linear Equation in Slope-Intercept Form

A linear equation or linear function in slope-intercept form has the following form. y=mx+b The slope m and y-intercept b are used to graph the equation. Consider the following function. y=2x-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=2x-3 ⇔ y= 2x+( - 3) The y-intercept b is - 3. Plot the point (0, - 3) on a coordinate plane.

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= 2x+( - 3) This means that the rise is 2 and the run is 1. m=rise/run ⇔ 2=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=2x-3.