Graphing Linear Equations

Graphing a line is an essential skill in algebra, precalculus, calculus, and beyond. Many of the college students I've tutored in algebra struggled with this. Later mastering this concept saved them frustration and time. 

Here you'll learn how to graph the most common form of linear equations,
​slope-intercept form:

y=mx+b

m: slope
b: y-intercept


Example:    graph y = 2x - 3

When given an equation in this form (y=mx+b):

Step 1.) Identify the y-intercept: -3.
Step 2.) Plot the y-intercept on the y-axis.
Step 3.) Identify the slope: 2.
Step 4.) Since slope is rise/run, our slope can be rewritten as 2/1. So rise 2 and run 1 to plot the next point.
Step 5.) Connect the two points and extend the line the fill the whole graph.