1. Graphing Linear Equations
Essential Question: How do you graph linear equations using point plotting, intercepts, the slope- intercept form, and the graphing calculator?

2. Graphing Linear Equations Using Point Plotting

3. In order to graph using point plotting, you will need to create a table.
You will need to choose at least 3 numbers for x and “plug” them
into the equation to find corresponding y values.
Plot the points
For Example:
Graph y = 2x - 1
x y
Choose x values -1
2(-1)-1=-3
2(0)-1 = -1 1
2(1)-1 = 1
“plug” x into the equation

4. Graph using point plotting
x y
(-2) + 3 = 2 -2 2
(0) + 3 = 3
(2) + 3 = 4

5. Graphing Using Intercepts

6. To graph using intercepts, you will need to find both the
X and the y intercept
To find the x-intercept, substitute “0” for y and solve for x
To find the y – intercept, substitute “0” for x and solve for y
For example: y = 4x + 8
X-intercept:
0 = 4x + 8
-8 = 4x
-2 = x
Y – Intercept:
Y = 4(0) + 8
Y = 8

7. Graph 2x + 3y = 6 using intercepts.
X-intercept:
2x + 3(0) = 6
2x = 6
X = 3
Y-intercept:
2(0) + 3y = 6
3y = 6
Y = 2

8. Graphing Using the Slope-Intercept Form

9. To graph a linear equation, you will need to find
the slope and the y-intercept for the equation.
Remember: y = mx + b
slope
Y-intercept (the point where the
graph crosses the
y-axis)

10. Slope =
Y-intercept =
Graph
1. Plot the y-intercept
Use the slope to find
the next point
Slope = “rise over run”

11. Graph 2x + 5y = 10 using the slope-intercept form:
(put the equation in slope-intercept form first)
2x + 5y = 10
5y = 10 – 2x
y = 2 – 2/5 x
slope = -2/5
y – intercept = 2
A negative slope means you will go down
then right from the y-intercept

12. Graphing Using the Graphing Calculator

13. Use the link below to access an online graphing calculator:
When using the calculator, you will first need to have the equation
in slope-intercept form (y = mx + b)
Then simply key in the equation and hit EVAL to see the graph
Graph on the graphing calculator

14. Graph 3x – 5y = 9 on the graphing calculator.
(First you will need to solve for y).
3x – 5y = 9
-5y = 9 – 3x
Put the above equation into the
graphing calculator and click EVAL