Page 190 - ABCTE Study Guide_Neat

Graphing linear equations is quick and easy. If you are unsure how to graph them, click on the boxes to
learn more.

Graphing Linear Equations from a
Graphing Linear Equations from a Table
Rule

If you are given a table of values for x and y, the values are ready to be used as ordered pairs (x, y).
Remember thex-value tells you the horizontal movement on the graph, and the y-value tells you the
vertical movement on the graph.

If you have to draw your own coordinate plane, be sure to include enough grid spaces to be able to graph
all of the points. Sometimes it is easier to count by twos or fives, depending on the information given in
the table. Count using the same interval the whole time.

Once you have marked all the points on the graph, use a ruler to connect the dots.

Example:

Graph the function shown in the table.

Constant Rate of Change

Linear functions have a constant rate of change; that is why they make a single straight line when
graphed. The reverse is also true: if a table of values or a graph shows a constant rate of change, then
the function it represents is linear.