Graph the line...

Question

given a point and the slope, graph the line (3,1) m=1/2

Answer 1

You need two points to draw a line.  

 

You already have the coordinates for one point, (3,1), x=3, y=1.  Locate this on your graph. 

 

Use slope to rise and run from the first point to find your second point.  

 

Since the slope = Rise/Run or m=1/2, from (3,1) point, go up one point and go two points to the right to find the next point which will be (5,2). 

 

Join the points to draw the graph.

Answer 2

Using the Cartesian Coordinate System, a point like (3,1) represents x=3 and y=1.

 

Two points determine a line, so you need a second point.

 

Slope means "rise over run" because it is (increase in y-values)/(increase in x-values).  So, if the slope, m, is 1/2, that means an increase of 1 from y=1 to y=2 and an increase of 2 from x=3 to x=5.  Here is your second point:  (5,2).

 

To graph the line, "connect the dots" and keep on going in each direction.