Graphing Linear Equations

Linear Equation

An equation for which the graph is

a line

X-intercept

Where the line crosses the

x-axis

X-intercept

The x-intercept has a y coordinate of

ZERO

X-intercept

To find the x-intercept, plug in ZERO for y and

solve

Slope

Describes the steepness of a

line

Slope

Equal to:

Rise Run

Rise

The change vertically, the change in y

Run

The change horizontally or

the change in x

Finding SlopeStep 1:

Find 2 points on a line

(2, 3) (5, 4)

(x1, y1) (x2, y2)

Finding SlopeStep 2:

Find the RISE between these 2

points

Y2 - Y1 =

4 - 3 = 1

Finding SlopeStep 3:

Find the RUN between these 2

points

X2 - X1 =

5 - 2 = 3

Finding SlopeStep 4:

Write the RISE over RUN as a ratio

Y2 - Y1 = 1

X2 - X1 3

Y-intercept

Where the line crosses the

y-axis

Y-intercept

The y-intercept has an x-coordinate of

ZERO

Y-intercept

To find the y-intercept, plug in ZERO for x and

solve

Slope-Intercept

y = mx + bm = slope

b = y-intercept

Step 1:

Mark a point on the y-intercept

Step 2:

Define slope as a fraction...

Step 3: Numerator is the vertical change

(RISE)

Step 4:

Denominator is the horizontal

change

(RUN)

Step 5:

Graph at least 3 points and

connect the dots