Graph the following groups of equations in each exercise, and determine how the numbers in the second and third equations affect the graph as compared to the first equation.

Y= x+5
y=2x+5
y=-2x+5

1 answer

To graph the equations and analyze how the coefficients impact the graphs, let's start with each equation one at a time.

  1. Graph \( y = x + 5 \):

    • This is a linear equation with a slope of 1 and a y-intercept of 5.
    • It will cross the y-axis at (0, 5) and increases diagonally, moving upwards with a 45-degree angle in relation to the x-axis.
  2. Graph \( y = 2x + 5 \):

    • This is also a linear equation but with a slope of 2 and a y-intercept of 5.
    • The graph will cross the y-axis at (0, 5) as well, but it will be steeper than the first equation because the slope is greater than 1. For every increase of 1 in \(x\), \(y\) increases by 2.
  3. Graph \( y = -2x + 5 \):

    • This equation has a slope of -2 and a y-intercept of 5.
    • It also crosses the y-axis at (0, 5), but will decrease steeply as \(x\) increases. For every increase of 1 in \(x\), \(y\) decreases by 2. Thus, the line will slope downward at a steep angle.

Graphing Summary:

  • The first equation \( y = x + 5 \) has a moderate positive slope; the line rises gently and crosses the y-axis at 5.
  • The second equation \( y = 2x + 5 \) is steeper, rising more sharply due to the larger slope (2). It's parallel to the first line but at a greater angle.
  • The third equation \( y = -2x + 5 \) slopes downward due to the negative slope. It starts at the same y-intercept (5) but moves downwards as \(x\) increases.

Effect of Numbers on the Graph:

  • Slope (Coefficient of \(x\)):

    • The slope determines the steepness of the graph. A larger positive slope results in a steeper line moving upwards, while a larger negative slope results in a steeper downward line.
  • Y-intercept (Constant term):

    • The y-intercept determines where the line crosses the y-axis. In all three equations, the y-intercept is consistent at 5, resulting in all lines starting at the same point vertically.

Visual Representation:

To visualize this:

  • Use graphing paper or a graphing tool to plot:
    • \( (0, 5) \) as the y-intercept for all three equations.
    • For \( y = x + 5 \) where slope = 1, plot points like (1, 6) and (2, 7).
    • For \( y = 2x + 5 \) where slope = 2, plot points (1, 7) and (2, 9).
    • For \( y = -2x + 5 \) where slope = -2, plot points (1, 3) and (2, 1).

This should help visually distinguish how these slopes and the corresponding y-intercept affect the graph's behavior overall.