SOLUTION: Explain, with words and examples, when graphing equations of lines is easier using the y-intercept/slope method versus the x and y intercept method and when graphing equations of l

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: Explain, with words and examples, when graphing equations of lines is easier using the y-intercept/slope method versus the x and y intercept method and when graphing equations of l      Log On


   



Question 1140588: Explain, with words and examples, when graphing equations of lines is easier using the y-intercept/slope method versus the x and y intercept method and when graphing equations of lines is easier using the x and y intercept method versus y-intercept/slope method.
Answer by greenestamps(13200) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Two points determine a line. So the question is about how much effort it takes to find two points for a given equation.

If the equation is given in Ax+By=C form, then it is easiest to set x=0 to find the y-intercept and set y=0 to find the x-intercept. For example....

3x%2B4y=12

When x=0, y = 12/4 = 3, so one point is (0,3); when y=0, x = 12/3 = 4, so the second point is (4,0).

If the equation is given in y=Ax+B form, you immediately know the slope and the y-intercept. So the first point is the y-intercept, and a second point can be found using the y-intercept and the slope. For example....

y+=+-2x%2B5

The y-intercept (when x=0) is 5, so the first point is (0,5).

A second point can be found starting at the known first point and moving according to the slope of -2. A slope of -2 means 1 unit right and 2 units down from the known point (0,5), giving you a second point (1,3).

You can provide your own additional examples, and further explanation, if required.