Thread: Graphing linear equation

I need help in graphing this equation. Where do you plot a point when you have a fraction as your y-intercept?

The linear equation is,
y=1/2x - 3/2

So, I know, m=1/2 and the y-intercept= (0, -3/2)

Where do I plot (0,-3/2) on the y-axis and how would that look?

Originally Posted by Ash

I need help in graphing this equation. Where do you plot a point when you have a fraction as your y-intercept?

The linear equation is,
y=1/2x - 3/2

So, I know, m=1/2 and the y-intercept= (0, -3/2)

Where do I plot (0,-3/2) on the y-axis and how would that look?

Hello,

1. the y-intercept is the point Y(0, -1.5) that means it is situated on the negative y-axis, 1.5 units below the x-axis.

2. You need a 2nd point to draw the line. Calculate the x-intercept by plugging in y = 0. You'll get the point Z(3, 0).

3. It isn't necessary to use the axes intercepts. Choose 2 x-values, plug them into the equation and calculate the corresponding y-values. Draw these 2 points and connect them with a straight line:

x = 1 ===> y = -1
x = -5 ===> y = -4

So you have 2 points: A(1, -1) and B(-5, -4) and now you can easily draw the line.