Graph the linear equation x-2y=4 by finding the intercepts.

Question

Graph the linear equation x-2y=4 by finding the intercepts.

Answer 1

 

 The x-intercept is where the line crosses the x-axis, and that happens when y=0.

 

So x - 2(0) = 4

      x- 0 = 4

      x = 4

 

So then the point (4,0) is on the line.

 

The y-intercept is where the line crosses the y-axis,

and that happens when x=0.

 

So 0 - 2y = 4

            -2y = 4

            y = -2

 

So the point (0,-2) is on the line.

 

 

With those two points you can now graph the line.

 

THe equation is x-4 = 2y

 

           or 1/2X - 2 = y

 

     

So the slope is m=1/2   (one up, two to the right)

 

 

Answer 2

Note that when x = 0, y = -2.  When y = 0, x = 4.  That gives you 2 points:

 

(0,-2)

(4,0)

 

Label these points on the x-y plane and draw a straight line through them.

Answer 3

to find y intercept, substitute x=0; to find x-intercept, substitute y=0.