Algebra 1H Glencoe McGraw-Hill J. Evans/C. Logan 3-A5 Linear Functions Graphing Using a Table of Values

In Chapter 2 you solved linear equations. In a linear equation the exponent of the variable is one. 1 In this lesson you will graph linear equations in two variables. In a linear equation with two variables the exponent of the variables is one (or zero). 1 1

In this lesson the equations will each have TWO VARIABLES, x and y The graph of a linear equation is the collection of all points (x, y) that are SOLUTIONS of the equation. How many points will the graph of a line contain? Way too many points to list.

1. Make a table of values (using advantageous x-values). 2. Graph enough points from the table to recognize a pattern. 3. Connect the points to form a line.

y x Ex. 1: Graph y = 2x + 3 by constructing a table of values and graphing the solutions. Describe the pattern you notice. x y y = 2(-3) + 3 = The pattern? The points all lie on a line. The ENTIRE line, even the parts not shown, is the graph of y = 2x + 3. Every point on the line is a solution to the equation y = 2x + 3. ( )

Before sketching a graph, make sure your equation is in “function form”. In function form, the y is isolated, making it much easier to construct a table of values.

Think of an equation in function form as a type of machine……a function machine. Input the x y is the output The function machine changes numbers. The input (the x value) enters the function machine and the function produces an output (the y value).

x y Substitute the x values to find the corresponding values for y.

x y y x

x y What x values should you choose?

y x x y

x y What do you need to do first?

y x x y (2, 13) will be off the graph. Four points should be sufficient.

Important!! When you plot the points on the graph they should lie in a straight line. These are linear equations. If the points you plot don’t lie in a straight line you have either made an arithmetic mistake when you substituted in the x values -or- you have plotted the points incorrectly! Check your work to find the mistake—don’t draw a crooked line!

No graphs will be accepted if they have not been neatly and carefully drawn on graph paper with a straight edge. This is non-negotiable!