Graphing Linear Equations

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Graphing Linear Equations
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Linear Equation an equation whose graph forms
a line.
Linear means of a line. So a linear
equation is the equation of a line.
In linear equations, all variables are taken to
the first power.
is linear.
is not.
Why?
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Answer

• In the second equation one of the x-term is
  raised to the second power. This is no longer a
  linear equation, it is a quadratic equation. You
  will learn more about quadratic equations later
  in your study of mathematics.

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• Suppose you were asked to graph the solution
  set of the linear equation,

You could start by creating a table of values.
The pairs of x- and y- values must satisfy the
equation. That is make the equation true.
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• Choose any number to use as x or y . . .you
  could start with x 0.

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• . . . and substitute the number for the
  variable.

Then calculate to find,
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• Continue, until you have 3 sets of x and y
  values. You could choose x 3.

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• Continue, until you have 3 sets of x and y
  values.

Remember You can choose any values for x- but
once you choose a value for x you must calculate
the value for y that makes the equation true!
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• With your table completed for three sets of
  values, you are ready to graph the line.

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• When x is 0, y is 3, so plot the point, (0, 3).

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• And when x is 3, y is 0, so plot the point, (3,
  0).

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• And finally, when x is -3, y is 6, so plot the
  point, (-3, 6).

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If the points line up, you just need to
connect the dots.

• If the three points do not line up, you need to
  find your mistake.

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• This is the graph of the linear equation,

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Create a table of values for each equation, and
graph it on grid paper
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