To graph the line represented by the equation y = 3x - 5, follow these steps:
Understand the equation form:
The equation is in slope-intercept form, y = mx + b, where:
m is the slope (rate of change of y with respect to x), which in this case is 3.
b is the y-intercept (the point where the line crosses the y-axis), which in this case is -5.
Identify the slope and y-intercept:
Slope (m) = 3. This means for every 1 unit increase in x, y increases by 3.
Y-intercept (b) = -5. This means the line crosses the y-axis at (0, -5).
Plot the y-intercept:
Begin by plotting the point (0, -5) on the graph. This is the starting point of the line.
Use the slope to find another point:
The slope 3 can be written as a fraction 3/1, indicating a rise of 3 units and a run of 1 unit.
Starting from (0, -5):
Move up 3 units (rise) and to the right 1 unit (run). This brings you to the point (1, -2). Plot this point.
Plot additional points (optional):
To make the line more precise, repeat the slope pattern:
From (1, -2), move up 3 units and to the right 1 unit to reach (2, 1). Plot this point.
Alternatively, move backward:
From (0, -5), move down 3 units and to the left 1 unit to reach (-1, -8). Plot this point.
Draw the line:
Use a straightedge to draw a line through the plotted points. Extend the line in both directions and add arrowheads to indicate it continues indefinitely.
Check your work:
Verify that the line passes through the points you plotted and that the slope matches the equation.
This completes the graph of y = 3x - 5.