SOLUTION: Hi! I'm having a very difficult time understanding graphing linear equations. I need step by step assistance so I can understand how to convert fractions when finding the slope an

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: Hi! I'm having a very difficult time understanding graphing linear equations. I need step by step assistance so I can understand how to convert fractions when finding the slope an      Log On


   

Question 938287: Hi! I'm having a very difficult time understanding graphing linear equations. I need step by step assistance so I can understand how to convert fractions when finding the slope and to make sure I am graphing correctly. I do know the formula to finding the slope is y=mx+b; however, it is confusing when there is a fraction. Please show step by step so I may practice with my remaining homework. Can you assist with the following:
Graph the line. y=1/4x + 2
Answer by MathLover1(20850) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
y=mx%2Bb ...this is a slope-intercept form equation of the linear function where m is a slope and b is y-intercept
if you have y=%281%2F4%29x+%2B+2 means m=1%2F4 and b=2 ( means a line crosses y-axis at 2 if x=0)
so, we already have one point and it is (0,2)
since a line is defined by two points, we need one more point to graph this line
easiest way is to find x-intercept or value of x that makes y=0
so, y=%281%2F4%29x+%2B+2 plug in y=0 and solve for x
0=%281%2F4%29x+%2B+2...since you have a fraction with denominator 4, multiply all terms by 4 to eliminate a fraction
4%2A0=4%2A%281%2F4%29x+%2B+4%2A2
0=cross%284%29%281%2Fcross%284%29%29x+%2B+8
0=1%2Ax+%2B+8
0=x+%2B+8
0-8=x+%2B+8-8
-8=x+
then, other point is: (-8,0)
now plot these two points and draw a line through: