How Do You Graph & Write Linear Equations?
Linear equations are especially useful to describe the relationship between two or more variables. In a linear equation, each variable is modified only by a coefficient (a number by which it is multiplied). Variables are directly related if an increase in one corresponds to an increase in another. Conversely, variables are inversely related if an increase in one corresponds to a decrease in another. Linear equations will always graph onto the coordinate plane as straight lines. Isolate the variable y in your equation. For example, if an equation is written 3y + 6x = 12 (this notation is called Standard Form), solve for y: 3y = -6x + 12 y = -2x + 4 Locate the slope of the line. The slope is the number by which x is multiplied, also called a coefficient. In y = -2x + 4, the slope is -2. Locate the y-intercept. This is the constant number in the equation that is not multiplied by a variable. In y = -2x + 4, the y-intercept is 4. Plot the y-intercept point on a coordinate plane. The y-inte
