Using what you have learned in this lesson, describe how you would graph any line with the equation y = mx + b.

write it simple

3 answers

To graph a line with the equation \( y = mx + b \), follow these simple steps:

  1. Identify the Slope (m): This is the number in front of \( x \). It shows how steep the line is and the direction it goes. A positive slope means the line goes up from left to right, and a negative slope means it goes down.

  2. Identify the Y-Intercept (b): This is the constant term. It tells you where the line crosses the y-axis (when \( x = 0 \)).

  3. Plot the Y-Intercept: Start by marking the point on the graph where \( y = b \) (the y value when \( x = 0 \)).

  4. Use the Slope to Find Another Point: From the y-intercept, use the slope to find a second point. For example, if the slope is \( \frac{2}{1} \), move up 2 units and right 1 unit from the y-intercept.

  5. Draw the Line: Connect the two points with a straight line, extending it in both directions.

  6. Label the Line: Optionally, label the line with its equation for clarity.

That's it! You now have a graph of the line represented by the equation \( y = mx + b \).

write it in scentence

To graph a line with the equation \( y = mx + b \), first identify the slope \( m \) and the y-intercept \( b \); then, plot the y-intercept on the graph where the line crosses the y-axis. Next, use the slope to determine a second point by moving up or down based on its value and to the right, starting from the y-intercept. After marking both points, connect them with a straight line extending in both directions, and optionally label the line with its equation for clarity.