how to choose a number for x when graphing linear equations

Question

how to understand graphing linear equations

Answer 1

Hi Susan,

 

Since a linear equation is the equation of a line and a line is determined by two points - the quickest way to get these two points is to find the x and y intercepts (the points where the line crosses the x axis and the y axis, respectively):

    1.  Find the x-intercept by setting the value of y to zero and solving for the value of x in the linear equation.  The coordinates of this point will be (x,0).

    2. Find the y-intercept by setting the value of x to zero and solving for the value of y in the linear equation. The coordinates of this point will be (0,y).

 

Any other points on the line can be found by using the slope (y/x) of the line and moving y units up or down and x units left or right from one point to another.  The values of x and y are the values of the x and y coordinates found in computing the x and y intercepts discussed above.

 

Thanks for submitting this question and glad to help.

 

God bless, Jordan.