Estimate the solution to the system of these linear equations based on the graph.

y=3x-2
y=-x-6

1 answer

To solve the system of equations given by \(y = 3x - 2\) and \(y = -x - 6\) graphically, we will find the intersection point of these two lines, which represents the solution to the system.

  1. Graph the first equation \(y = 3x - 2\):

    • This is a line with a slope of 3 and a y-intercept at \(-2\).
    • To find points, you can plug in values for \(x\):
      • If \(x = 0\), \(y = 3(0) - 2 = -2\) → Point (0, -2)
      • If \(x = 1\), \(y = 3(1) - 2 = 1\) → Point (1, 1)
      • If \(x = -1\), \(y = 3(-1) - 2 = -5\) → Point (-1, -5)
  2. Graph the second equation \(y = -x - 6\):

    • This is a line with a slope of -1 and a y-intercept at \(-6\).
    • To find points, plug in values for \(x\):
      • If \(x = 0\), \(y = -0 - 6 = -6\) → Point (0, -6)
      • If \(x = 1\), \(y = -1 - 6 = -7\) → Point (1, -7)
      • If \(x = -6\), \(y = -(-6) - 6 = 0\) → Point (-6, 0)
  3. Plot both lines on a graph:

    • For \(y = 3x - 2\), plot points (0, -2), (1, 1), (-1, -5) and draw the line through them.
    • For \(y = -x - 6\), plot points (0, -6), (1, -7), (-6, 0) and draw the line through them.
  4. Find the intersection point of the two lines:

    • From the equations, you can set them equal to find \(x\): \[ 3x - 2 = -x - 6 \] Combine like terms: \[ 3x + x = -6 + 2 \Rightarrow 4x = -4 \Rightarrow x = -1 \]
    • Substitute \(x = -1\) back into either equation to find \(y\): \[ y = 3(-1) - 2 = -3 - 2 = -5 \] or, \[ y = -(-1) - 6 = 1 - 6 = -5 \]

Thus, the intersection point is \((-1, -5)\).

Conclusion: The estimated solution to the system of equations based on the graph is \((-1, -5)\).