Unit 4B – Graphing Linear Equations Study Guide

I. Graphing a line using slope-intercept method

1) Make sure the equation is in slope-intercept form (y = mx + b). If not, solve for y.

2) Identify the slope (m) and the y-intercept (b).

3) Plot the y-intercept (b)

4) Use the slope (m) to graph additional points to form the line.

II. To Graph a Line using the x and y intercepts

1) Let x = 0 to find the y-intercept (by substituting 0 into the x in the equation)

2) Let y = 0, to find the x-intercept (by substituting 0 into the x in the equation)

3) Plot the intercepts to form the line.

III. Write an equation for the line in slope intercept form.

1) Identify the y-intercept

2) Determine the slope

3) Substitute into y = mx + b

IV. Write an equation in slope-intercept form of the line that passes through two points.

1) Find the slope

2) Substitute the slope and the coordinates from one point into y = mx + b. Solve for b.

3) Write the equation of the line using the values for m and b.

V. Write an equation in point-slope form that passes through two points.

1) Find the slope

2) Substitute the slope and the coordinates from one point into: