How To Solve & Graph Linear Equations

A linear equation produces a straight line in a graph. The general formula for a linear equation is y = mx + b, where m stands for the slope of the line (which can be positive or negative) and b stands for the point that the line crosses the y-axis (the y intercept). Once you have graphed the equation, you can determine for any value at the x-axis the corresponding value of the y-axis or vice versa.

Step 1

Draw on graph paper a table of values by plugging in x values into your equation. You only need two points on the graph to be able to draw a line representing the linear equation. For example, if your line is y = 2x then your two points might be: y = 2(1) = 2, giving you (1,2) as a coordinate and y = 2(10) =20, giving you (10,20) as a coordinate.

Step 2

Draw an X-Y axis (sometimes called a Cartesian plane) on your graph paper. The X-Y axis looks like a large cross. The center of the cross (the "origin") should be in the center of your graph paper. Label this point "0."

Step 3

Label your X axis. Start 10 squares to the left of the origin and move to the right, labeling each square with a number from -10 to 10 (0 was already labeled in Step 2).

Step 4

Label your Y axis. Start 10 squares above the origin and move down, labeling each square with a number from -10 to 10 (0 was already labeled in Step 2).

Step 5

Graph your coordinate points. The coordinate point (1,10) represents (x,y) on the graph. In other words, find "1" on the x axis then trace upward with your finger to y = 10. Label this point (1,10). Use the same technique to label (10,20).

Step 6

Connect the two coordinate points with a straight line using your ruler. This is your linear graph. You can use it to solve the equation for any value of X: start at the correct X value on the number line (for example, x = 4) then trace upward to the linear graph. Stop where your finger hits the graph then read the Y value for that location.