How to Graph Linear Equations

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Calculators
Pencils
Erasers
Graph Papers
Pencils
Rulers
Pencils
Calculators

Step 1

Draw a pair of perpendicular lines. These are your axes (the plural of "axis"). Label the horizontal axis "x" and the vertical axis "y." Label several different values, both positive and negative, of x and y on both axes. This is the scale of the graph.
Step 2

Remember that your equation should be in the form y = mx + b (if it is in a different form, solve for y in terms of x).
Step 3

Draw a dot on the y axis at y = b. This is the y-intercept of the graph (the point at which the graph crosses the y-axis).
Step 4

Choose a value for x other than 0 and mark this on the x-axis you've drawn. Lightly draw a vertical line that crosses this value of x on your x-axis.
Step 5

Plug the x value you chose into your equation.
Step 6

Solve for y. Lightly draw a horizontal line that crosses this value of y on your y-axis.
Step 7

Make a dot where the two lines you just drew intersect.
Step 8

Draw a straight line between this dot and the y-intercept. Extend this line in both directions to the edges of your graph. This line is the graph of your equation.

Comments

tacojohn48 said

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on 8/23/2008 In an equation of the form y=mx+b b will always be where the line crosses your y axis. Think of it as the point where x=0 and plug that into your equation so y=(6*0)+7 or y=7

tombelcher7 said

on 4/13/2008 To find the y intercept you mention y = b is this a general 'rule of thumb' or will this change i.e if y = 6x + 7 then would y = 7?

Anonymous said

on 6/30/2006 To test to see if the equation is true, after graphing put in (0,0) for y. If it's less than or greater than the number then you draw lines toward the the side of the 0. Example y=2x+3. Put in (0,0) for y. Since it's true, you draw lines toward the 0.