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

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.

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.

Choose any number to use as x or y...you could start with x = 0.

... and substitute the number for the variable. Then calculate to find,

Continue, until you have 3 sets of x and y values. You could choose x = 3.

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!

With your table completed for three sets of values, you are ready to graph the line.

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

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

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

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

This is the graph of the linear equation,

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