Graphing Lines in y = mx + b Form
To graph a line on a coordinate plane, the easiest way to do so is when
the line is in y = mx + b form.
Ex: y = 3x - 2 is in y = mx + b form
Another name for y = mx + b form is slope-intercept form. Why you ask ??
Because when an equation is in this form, the slope and intercept are readily accessible. What intercept you ask ?? Why of course, the y intercept !!
Ex: y = -4x + 2 is in slope intercept (y = mx + b) form
-4 is m ( the slope) and 2 is b ( the y intercept )
Now Let's Graph Some Lines.
For ease of graphing, all of our lines will be in the proper form.
Take out a piece of graph paper and follow along.
Ex: Let's graph our two examples from above.
y = 3x - 2
1) Start at the y intercept of -2 and draw a dot.
2) From the point (0, -2), go up three and over to
the right one ( a slope of three ). Draw a second
point. Now use a straight edge to connect your
points.
Click Here For Help With Graphing Lines!!
y = -4x + 2
1) Start at the y intercept of 2 and draw a dot.
2) From the point (0, 2), go down four and over to
the right one ( a slope of negative four ). Draw a
second point. Now use a straight edge to connect
your points.
