Mathematics – Plotting Linear Graphs 1
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Linear Equations
A linear equation is an equation which produces a straight line when graphed. Any
two sets of coordinates, after being plotted, can be connected to form a straight
line.
Calculating Ordered Pairs
We can use an equation to determine the set of co-ordinates needed to plot a
linear graph. The values are determined by choosing values for x and then
substituting the values into the equation to find the values of y.
Example: 𝒚 = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑
Plot the graph of 𝒚 = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑 where -3 ≤ x ≤ 3. Use the scale of 1 cm to represent
1 unit on each axis. First, substitute the values of x in the equation y = 2x + 3
𝒚 = 2(-3) + 3 = -3 𝒚 = 2(-2) + 3 = - 1 𝒚 = 2(-1) + 3 = 1 𝒚 = 2(0) + 3 = 3
𝒚 = 2(1) + 3 = 5 𝒚 = 2(2) + 3 = 7 𝒚 = 2(3) + 3 = 9
𝒙 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
𝒚 -3 -1 1 3 5 7 9
Notice that the values of 𝒚 depends on
the value allocated to 𝒙. We therefore,
call ‘𝒚’ the dependent variable. Since we
give 𝒙 any value, call 𝒙 the independent
variable.
We can now use the ordered pairs to
plot the graph of the equation y = 2x + 3
Mathematics – Plotting Linear Graphs 2
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Exercise 1: Plotting Linear Graphs
1. For the equation y = 2x – 3,
a. Complete the table for the given value of x.
b. Plot the points on the graph, then connect the
dots to form a line.
Mathematics – Plotting Linear Graphs 3
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2. Use the equation 𝒚 = 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟐 to
a. complete the table below with the missing values for 𝒚 .
𝒙 1 2 3 4
𝒚 1
b. Plot the graph of y = 3 𝒙 – 2 where 1 ≤ x ≤ 4.
3. On the same axes as number 1, plot the graph of 𝒚 = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑 where 0 ≤ 𝒙 ≤ 4
𝒙 1 2 3 4
𝒚 5
Mathematics – Plotting Linear Graphs 4
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Exercise 2: Plotting Graphs of Linear Equations
1. Using a scale of 1 cm to 1 unit on each axis, plot the graph of the equation
y = 𝒙 + 4 where -6 ≤ 𝒙 ≤ 10
𝒙 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4
𝒚 -2 4
2. On the same axes as number 1, plot the graph of the equation 𝒚 = - 𝒙+ 2 where
-4 ≤ 𝒙 ≤ 6
𝒙 -4 -2 0 2 4 6
𝒚 6 0 -4
Mathematics – Plotting Linear Graphs 5
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Exercise 3: Plotting Graphs of Linear Equations
1. Plot the graph of the equation 6 – 2 𝒙 = 𝒚 using a scale of 1 cm to 2 units.
𝒙 -4 -2 0 2 4
𝒚
a. On the graph 6 – 2x = y in question 1, draw the line 𝒚 = 3.
2. Using the scale of 1 cm to 5 units plot the graph of 𝒚 = 5 𝒙.
𝒙 -3 -1 1 3
𝒚
a. Draw the line 𝒚 = 10 on the graph 𝒚 = 5 𝒙 in question 6.
3. Plot the graph of the equation y = 2x + 6 using the values of x as 0, 1, 2, 3
Mathematics – Plotting Linear Graphs 6
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Strand: Co-Ordinate Geometry
Topic: Graphs
Sub-topic: Plotting Linear Equations
Objectives:
At the end of this lesson the students will:
1. Calculate ordered pairs using linear equations
2. Plot graphs of linear equations
3. Understand the terms dependent and independent variable
Video Tutorial
Table of Ordered Pairs Substitution | Algebra | Maths | FuseSchool
https://youtu.be/RYZyhLxExyw
Completing a table of values by RodCastMaths https://youtu.be/cMa02EEAFC8
Graph a Linear Equation Using a Table of Values by Mathsispower4u
https://youtu.be/-u55GD_sGLA
Graphing Linear Equations In Slope Intercept and Standard Form - Algebra 1 & 2
Review https://youtu.be/nojSLJ9KYvQ
