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Chapter 3 Graphing Lines
3.1 Rectangular Coordinate System
Learning Objectives
1.Plot points using the rectangular coordinate system.
2.Calculate the distance between any two points in the rectangular coordinate plane.
3.Determine the midpoint between any two points.
Rectangular Coordinate System
The rectangular coordinate systemA system with two number lines at right angles uniquely specifying points in a plane using ordered pairs (x, y). consists of two real number lines that intersect at a right angle. The horizontal number line is called the x-
An ordered pair (x, y) represents the position of a point relative to the origin. The x-
Portrait of René Descartes (1596–1650) after Frans Hals, from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Frans_Hals_-
This system is often called the Cartesian coordinate systemUsed in honor of René Descartes when referring to the rectangular coordinate system., named after the French mathematician René Descartes (1596–1650).
The x-
Example 1: Plot the ordered pair (−3, 5) and determine the quadrant in which it lies.
Solution: The coordinates x=−3 and y=5 indicate a point 3 units to the left of and 5 units above the origin.
Answer: The point is plotted in quadrant II (QII) because the x-
Ordered pairs with 0 as one of the coordinates do not lie in a quadrant; these points are on one axis or the other (or the point is the origin if both coordinates are 0). Also, the scale indicated on the x-
Example 2: Plot this set of ordered pairs: (4, 0), (−6, 0), (0, 3), (−2, 6), (−4, −6).
Solution: Each tick mark on the x-
Example 3: Plot this set of ordered pairs: (−6, −5), (−3, −3), (0, −1), (3, 1), (6, 3).
Solution:
In this example, the points appear to be collinearDescribes points that lie on the same line., or to lie on the same line. The entire chapter focuses on finding and expressing points with this property.
Try this! Plot the set of points (5, 3), (−3, 2), (−2, −4), (4, −3) and indicate in which quadrant they lie. ([Link: Click here for printable graph paper in PDF.])
Answer:
Video Solution
(click to see video)
Graphs are used in everyday life to display data visually. A line graphA set of related data values graphed on a coordinate plane and connected by line segments. consists of a set of related data values graphed on a coordinate plane and connected by line segments. Typically, the independent quantity, such as time, is displayed on the x-
Example 4: The following line graph shows the number of mathematics and statistics bachelor’s degrees awarded in the United States each year since 1970.
Source: Digest of Education Statistics.
a. How many mathematics and statistics bachelor’s degrees were awarded in 1975?
b. In which years were the number of mathematics and statistics degrees awarded at the low of 11,000?
Solution:
a. The scale on the x-
Source: Digest of Education Statistics.
The y-
b. To find the year a particular number of degrees was awarded, first look at the y-
Source: Digest of Education Statistics.
The y-
Answers:
a. In the year 1975, 18,000 mathematics and statistics degrees were awarded.
b. In the years 1980 and 2000, the lows of 11,000 mathematics and statistics degrees were awarded.
Distance Formula
Frequently you need to calculate the distance between two points in a plane. To do this, form a right triangle using the two points as vertices of the triangle and then apply the Pythagorean theorem. Recall that the Pythagorean theoremGiven any right triangle with legs measuring a and b units and hypotenuse measuring c units, then a2+b2=c2. states that if given any right triangle with legs measuring a and b units, then the square of the measure of the hypotenuse c is equal to the sum of the squares of the legs: a2+b2=c2. In other words, the hypotenuse of any right triangle is equal to the square root of the sum of the squares of its legs.
Example 5: Find the distance between (−1, 2) and (3, 5).
Solution: Form a right triangle by drawing horizontal and vertical lines through the two points. This creates a right triangle as shown below:
The length of leg b is calculated by finding the distance between the x-
Next, use the Pythagorean theorem to find the length of the hypotenuse.
Answer: The distance between the two points is 5 units.
Generalize this process to produce a formula that can be used to algebraically calculate the distance between any two given points.
Given two points, (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) , then the distance, d, between them is given by the distance formulaGiven two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), calculate the distance d between them using the formula d=( x 2− x 1)2+( y 2− y 1)2.:
d=(x2−x1)2+(y2−y1)2
Example 6: Calculate the distance between (−3, −1) and (−2, 4).
Solution: Use the distance formula.
It is a good practice to include the formula in its general form as a part of the written solution before substituting values for the variables. This improves readability and reduces the chance for errors.
Answer: 26 units
Try this! Calculate the distance between (−7, 5) and (−1, 13).
Answer: 10 units
Video Solution
(click to see video)
Example 7: Do the three points (1, −1), (3, −3), and (3, 1) form a right triangle?
Solution: The Pythagorean theorem states that having side lengths that satisfy the property a2+b2=c2 is a necessary and sufficient condition of right triangles. In other words, if you can show that the sum of the squares of the leg lengths of the triangle is equal to the square of the length of the hypotenuse, then the figure must be a right triangle. First, calculate the length of each side using the distance formula.
Now we check to see if a2+b2=c2.
Answer: Yes, the three points form a right triangle. In fact, since two of the legs are equal in length, the points form an isosceles right triangle.
Midpoint Formula
The point that bisects the line segment formed by two points, (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), is called the midpointGiven two points, (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), the midpoint is an ordered pair given by (x1+x22, y1+y22). and is given by the following formula:
The midpoint is an ordered pair formed by finding the average of the x-
Example 8: Calculate the midpoint between (−1, −2) and (7, 4).
Solution: First, calculate the average of the x-
Next, form the midpoint as an ordered pair using the averaged coordinates.
Answer: (3, 1)
To verify that this is indeed the midpoint, calculate the distance between the two given points and verify that the result is equal to the sum of the two equal distances from the endpoints to this midpoint. This verification is left to the reader as an exercise.
Try this! Find the midpoint between (−6, 5) and (6, −11).
Answer: (0, −3)
Video Solution
(click to see video)
Key Takeaways
•Use the rectangular coordinate system to uniquely identify points in a plane using ordered pairs (x, y). Ordered pairs indicate position relative to the origin. The x-
•The scales on the x-
•Graphs are used to visualize real-
•The Pythagorean theorem gives us a necessary and sufficient condition of right triangles. Given a right triangle, then the measures of the sides satisfy a2+b2=c2. Conversely, if the sides satisfy a2+b2=c2, then the triangle must be a right triangle.
•The distance formula, d=(x2−x1)2+(y2−y1)2, is derived from the Pythagorean theorem and gives us the distance between any two points, (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), in a rectangular coordinate plane.
•The midpoint formula, (x1+x22, y1+y22), is derived by taking the average of each coordinate and forming an ordered pair.
Topic Exercises
Part A: Ordered Pairs
Give the coordinates of points A, B, C, D, and E.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Graph the given set of ordered pairs.
7. (−4, 5), (−1, 1), (−3, −2), (5, −1)
8. (−15, −10), (−5, 10), (15, 10), (5, −10)
9. (−2, 5), (10, 0), (2, −5), (6, −10)
10. (−8, 3), (−4, 6), (0, −6), (6, 9)
11. (−10, 5), (20, −10), (30, 15), (50, 0)
12. (−53, −12),(−13, 12),(23, −1),(53, 1)
13. (−35, −43),(25, 43),(1, −23),(0, 1)
14. (−3.5, 0), (−1.5, 2), (0, 1.5), (2.5, −1.5)
15. (−0.8, 0.2), (−0.2, −0.4), (0, −1), (0.6, −0.4)
16. (−1.2, −1.2), (−0.3, −0.3), (0, 0), (0.6, 0.6), (1.2, 1.2)
State the quadrant in which the given point lies.
17. (−3, 2)
18. (5, 7)
19. (−12, −15)
20. (7, −8)
21. (−3.8, 4.6)
22. (17.3, 1.9)
23. (−18, −58)
24. (34, −14)
25. x>0 and y<0
26. x<0 and y<0
27. x<0 and y>0
28. x>0 and y>0
The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in US cities is given in the following line graph. Use the graph to answer the following questions.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.
29. What was the average price of a gallon of unleaded gasoline in 2004?
30. What was the average price of a gallon of unleaded gasoline in 1976?
31. In which years were the average price of a gallon of unleaded gasoline $1.20?
32. What is the price increase of a gallon of gasoline from 1980 to 2008?
33. What was the percentage increase in the price of a gallon of unleaded gasoline from 1976 to 1980?
34. What was the percentage increase in the price of a gallon of unleaded gasoline from 2000 to 2008?
The average price of all-
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.
35. What was the average price per pound of all-
36. What was the average price per pound of all-
37. In which year did the price of flour average $0.25 per pound?
38. In which years did the price of flour average $0.20 per pound?
39. What was the percentage increase in flour from the year 2000 to 2008?
40. What was the percentage increase in flour from the year 1992 to 2000?
Given the following data, create a line graph.
41. The percentage of total high school graduates who enrolled in college.
Year
Percentage
1969 36%
1979 40%
1989 47%
1999 42%
Source: Digest of Education Statistics.
42. The average daily temperature given in degrees Fahrenheit in May.
Exam
Temperature
8:00 am 60
12:00 pm 72
4:00 pm 75
8:00 pm 67
12:00 am 60
4:00 am 55
Calculate the area of the shape formed by connecting the following set of vertices.
43. (0, 0), (0, 3), (5, 0), (5, 3)
44. (−1, −1), (−1, 1), (1, −1), (1, 1)
45. (−2, −1), (−2, 3), (5, 3), (5, −1)
46. (−5, −4), (−5, 5), (3, 5), (3, −4)
47. (0, 0), (4, 0), (2, 2)
48. (−2, −2), (2, −2), (0, 2)
49. (0, 0), (0, 6), (3, 4)
50. (−2, 0), (5, 0), (3, −3)
Part B: Distance Formula
Calculate the distance between the given two points.
51. (−5, 3) and (−1, 6)
52. (6, −2) and (−2, 4)
53. (0, 0) and (5, 12)
54. (−6, −8) and (0, 0)
55. (−7, 8) and (5, −1)
56. (−1, −2) and (9, 22)
57. (−1, 2) and (−7/2, −4)
58. (−12, 13) and (52, −113)
59. (−13, 23) and (1, −13)
60. (12, −34) and (32, 14)
61. (1, 2) and (4, 3)
62. (2, −4) and (−3, −2)
63. (−1, 5) and (1, −3)
64. (1, −7) and (5, −1)
65. (−7, −3) and (−1, 6)
66. (0, 1) and (1, 0)
67. (−0.2, −0.2) and (1.8, 1.8)
68. (1.2, −3.3) and (2.2, −1.7)
For each problem, show that the three points form a right triangle.
69. (−3, −2), (0, −2), and (0, 4)
70. (7, 12), (7, −13), and (−5, −4)
71. (−1.4, 0.2), (1, 2), and (1, −3)
72. (2, −1), (−1, 2), and (6, 3)
73. (−5, 2), (−1, −2), and (−2, 5)
74. (1, −2), (2, 3), and (−3, 4)
Isosceles triangles have two legs of equal length. For each problem, show that the following points form an isosceles triangle.
75. (1, 6), (−1, 1), and (3, 1)
76. (−6, −2), (−3, −5), and (−9, −5)
77. (−3, 0), (0, 3), and (3, 0)
78. (0, −1), (0, 1), and (1, 0)
Calculate the area and the perimeter of the triangles formed by the following set of vertices.
79. (−4, −5), (−4, 3), (2, 3)
80. (−1, 1), (3, 1), (3, −2)
81. (−3, 1), (−3, 5), (1, 5)
82. (−3, −1), (−3, 7), (1, −1)
Part C: Midpoint Formula
Find the midpoint between the given two points.
83. (−1, 6) and (−7, −2)
84. (8, 0) and (4, −3)
85. (−10, 0) and (10, 0)
86. (−3, −6) and (−3, 6)
87. (−10, 5) and (14, −5)
88. (0, 1) and (2, 2)
89. (5, −3) and (4, −5)
90. (0, 0) and (1, 1)
91. (−1, −1) and (4, 4)
92. (3, −5) and (3, 5)
93. (−12, −13) and (32, 73)
94. (34, −23) and (18, −12)
95. (53, 14) and (−16, −32)
96. (−15, −52) and (710, −14)
97. Given the right triangle formed by the vertices (0, 0), (6, 0), and (6, 8), show that the midpoints of the sides form a right triangle.
98. Given the isosceles triangle formed by the vertices (−10, −12), (0, 12), and (10, −12), show that the midpoints of the sides also form an isosceles triangle.
99. Calculate the area of the triangle formed by the vertices (−4, −3), (−1, 1), and (2, −3). (Hint: The vertices form an isosceles triangle.)
100. Calculate the area of the triangle formed by the vertices (−2, 1), (4, 1), and (1, −5).
Part D: Discussion Board Topics
101. Research and discuss the life and contributions to mathematics of René Descartes.
102. Research and discuss the history of the right triangle and the Pythagorean theorem.
103. What is a Pythagorean triple? Provide some examples.
104. Explain why you cannot use a ruler to calculate distance on a graph.
105. How do you bisect a line segment with only a compass and a straightedge?
Answers
1: A: (3, 5); B: (−2, 3); C: (−5, 0); D: (1, −3); E: (−3, −4)
3: A: (0, 6); B: (−4, 3); C: (−8, 0); D: (−6, −6); E: (8, −9)
5: A: (−10, 25); B: (30, 20); C: (0, 10); D: (15, 0); E: (25, −10)
7:
9:
11:
13:
15:
17: QII
19: QIII
21: QII
23: QIII
25: QIV
27: QII
29: $1.80
31: 1980 to 1984, 1996
33: 100%
35: $0.30
37: 1992
39: 67%
41:
43: 15 square units
45: 28 square units
47: 4 square units
49: 9 square units
51: 5 units
53: 13 units
55: 15 units
57: 13/2 units
59: 5/3 units
61: 10 units
63: 217 units
65: 313 units
67: 2.8 units
69: Proof
71: Proof
73: Proof
75: Proof
77: Proof
79: Perimeter: 24 units; area: 24 square units
81: Perimeter: 8+42 units; area: 8 square units
83: (−4, 2)
85: (0, 0)
87: (2, 0)
89: (9/2, −4)
91: (3/2, 3/2)
93: (1/2, 1)
95: (3/4, −5/8)
99: 12 square units
3.2 Graph by Plotting Points
Learning Objectives
1.Verify solutions to linear equations with two variables.
2.Graph lines by plotting points.
3.Identify and graph horizontal and vertical lines.
Solutions to Equations with Two Variables
A linear equation with two variablesAn equation with two variables that can be written in the standard form ax+by=c, where the real numbers a and b are not both zero. has standard form ax+by=c, where a, b, and c are real numbers and a and b are not both 0. Solutions to equations of this form are ordered pairs (x, y), where the coordinates, when substituted into the equation, produce a true statement.
Example 1: Determine whether (1, −2) and (−4, 1) are solutions to 6x−3y=12.
Solution: Substitute the x-
Answer: (1, −2) is a solution, and (−4, 1) is not.
It is often the case that a linear equation is given in a form where one of the variables, usually y, is isolated. If this is the case, then we can check that an ordered pair is a solution by substituting in a value for one of the coordinates and simplifying to see if we obtain the other.
Example 2: Are ( 12, −3) and (−5, 14) solutions to y=2x−4?
Solution: Substitute the x-
Answer: ( 12, −3) is a solution, and (−5, 14) is not.
Try this! Is (6, −1) a solution to y=−23x+3?
Answer: Yes
Video Solution
(click to see video)
When given linear equations with two variables, we can solve for one of the variables, usually y, and obtain an equivalent equation as follows:
Written in this form, we can see that y depends on x. Here x is the independent variableThe variable that determines the values of other variables. Usually we think of the x-
The linear equation y=2x−4 can be used to find ordered pair solutions. If we substitute any real number for x, then we can simplify to find the corresponding y-
Example 3: Find ordered pair solutions to the equation 5x−y=14 with the given x-
Solution: First, solve for y.
Next, substitute the x-
Answer: (−2, −24), (−1, −19), (0, −14), (4, 6), (6, 16)
In the previous example, certain x-
Example 4: Find five ordered pair solutions to 6x+2y=10.
Solution: First, solve for y.
Next, choose any set of x-
Answer: (−2, 11), (−1, 8), (0, 5), (1, 2), (2, −1). Since there are infinitely many ordered pair solutions, answers may vary depending on the choice of values for the independent variable.
Try this! Find five ordered pair solutions to 10x−2y=2.
Answer: (−2, −11), (−1, −6), (0, −1), (1, 4), (2, 9) (answers may vary)
Video Solution
(click to see video)
Graph by Plotting Points
Since the solutions to linear equations are ordered pairs, they can be graphed using the rectangular coordinate system. The set of all solutions to a linear equation can be represented on a rectangular coordinate plane using a straight line connecting at least two points; this line is called its graphA point on the number line associated with a coordinate.. To illustrate this, plot five ordered pair solutions, (−2, 11), (−1, 8), (0, 5), (1, 2), (2, −1), to the linear equation 6x+2y=10.
Notice that the points are collinear; this will be the case for any linear equation. Draw a line through the points with a straightedge, and add arrows on either end to indicate that the graph extends indefinitely.
The resulting line represents all solutions to 6x+2y=10, of which there are infinitely many. The steps for graphing lines by plotting points are outlined in the following example.
Example 5: Find five ordered pair solutions and graph: 10x−5y=10.
Solution:
Step 1: Solve for y.
Step2: Choose at least two x-
Five ordered pair solutions are (−2, −6), (−1, −4), (0, −2), (1, 0), (2, 2)
Step 3: Choose an appropriate scale, plot the points, and draw a line through them using a straightedge. In this case, choose a scale where each tick mark on the y-
Answer:
It will not always be the case that y can be solved in terms of x with integer coefficients. In fact, the coefficients often turn out to be fractions.
Example 6: Find five ordered pair solutions and graph: −5x+2y=10.
Solution:
Remember that you can choose any real number for the independent variable x, so choose wisely here. Since the denominator of the coefficient of the variable x is 2, you can avoid fractions by choosing multiples of 2 for the x-
Five solutions are (−6, −10), (−4, −5), (−2, 0), (0, 5), (2, 10). Here we choose to scale the x-
Answer:
Try this! Find five ordered pair solutions and graph: x+2y=6.
Answer: (−2, 4), (0, 3), (2, 2), (4, 1), (6, 0)
Video Solution
(click to see video)
Horizontal and Vertical Lines
We need to recognize by inspection linear equations that represent a vertical or horizontal line.
Example 7: Graph by plotting five points: y=−2.
Solution: Since the given equation does not have a variable x, we can rewrite it with a 0 coefficient for x.
Choose any five values for x and see that the corresponding y-
We now have five ordered pair solutions to plot (−2, −2), (−1, −2), (0, −2), (1, −2), (2, −2).
Answer:
When the coefficient for the variable x is 0, the graph is a horizontal line. In general, the equation for a horizontal lineAny line whose equation can be written in the form y = k, where k is a real number. can be written in the form y=k, where k represents any real number.
Example 8: Graph by plotting five points: x = 3.
Solution: Since the given equation does not have a variable y, rewrite it with a 0 coefficient for y.
Choose any five values for y and see that the corresponding x-
We now have five ordered pair solutions to plot: (3, −2), (3, −1), (3, 0), (3, 1), (3, 2).
Answer:
When the coefficient for the variable y is 0, the graph is a vertical line. In general, the equation for a vertical lineAny line whose equation can be written in the form x = k, where k is a real number. can be written as x=k, where k represents any real number.
To summarize, if k is a real number,
Try this! Graph y=5 and x=−2 on the same set of axes and determine where they intersect.
Answer: (−2, 5)
Video Solution
(click to see video)
Key Takeaways
•Solutions to linear equations with two variables ax+by=c are ordered pairs (x, y), where the coordinates, when substituted into the equation, result in a true statement.
•Linear equations with two variables have infinitely many ordered pair solutions. When the solutions are graphed, they are collinear.
•To find ordered pair solutions, choose values for the independent variable, usually x, and substitute them in the equation to find the corresponding y-
•To graph linear equations, determine at least two ordered pair solutions and draw a line through them with a straightedge.
•Horizontal lines are described by y = k, where k is any real number.
•Vertical lines are described by x = k, where k is any real number.
Topic Exercises
Part A: Solutions to Linear Systems
Determine whether the given point is a solution.
1. 5x−2y=4; (−1, 1)
2. 3x−4y=10; (2, −1)
3. −3x+y=−6; (4, 6)
4. −8x−y=24; (−2, −3)
5. −x+y=−7; (5, −2)
6. 9x−3y=6; (0, −2)
7. 12x+13y=−16; (1, −2)
8. 34x−12y=−1; (2, 1)
9. 4x−3y=1; (12, 13)
10. −10x+2y=−95; (15, 110)
11. y=13x+3; (6, 3)
12. y=−4x+1; (−2, 9)
13. y=23x−3; (0, −3)
14. y=−58x+1; (8, −5)
15. y=−12x+34; (−12, 1)
16. y=−13x−12; (12, −23)
17. y=2; (−3, 2)
18. y=4; (4, −4)
19. x=3; (3, −3)
20. x=0; (1, 0)
Find the ordered pair solutions given the set of x-
21. y=−2x+4; −2, 0, 2
22. y=12x−3; −4, 0, 4
23. y=−34x+12; −2, 0, 2
24. y=−3x+1; −1/2, 0, 1/2
25. y=−4; −3, 0, 3
26. y=12x+34; −1/4, 0, 1/4
27. 2x−3y=1; 0, 1, 2
28. 3x−5y=−15; −5, 0, 5
29. –x+y=3; −5, −1, 0
30. 12x−13y=−4; −4, −2, 0
31. 35x+110y=2; −15, −10, −5
32. x−y=0; 10, 20, 30
Find the ordered pair solutions, given the set of y-
33. y=12x−1; −5, 0, 5
34. y=−34x+2; 0, 2, 4
35. 3x−2y=6; −3, −1, 0
36. −x+3y=4; −4, −2, 0
37. 13x−12y=−4; −1, 0, 1
38. 35x+110y=2; −20, −10, −5
Part B: Graphing Lines
Given the set of x-
39. y=x+1
40. y=−x+1
41. y=2x−1
42. y=−3x+2
43. y=5x−10
44. 5x+y=15
45. 3x−y=9
46. 6x−3y=9
47. y=−5
48. y=3
Find at least five ordered pair solutions and graph.
49. y=2x−1
50. y=−5x+3
51. y=−4x+2
52. y=10x−20
53. y=−12x+2
54. y=13x−1
55. y=23x−6
56. y=−23x+2
57. y=x
58. y=−x
59. −2x+5y=−15
60. x+5y=5
61. 6x−y=2
62. 4x+y=12
63. −x+5y=0
64. x+2y=0
65. 110x−y=3
66. 32x+5y=30
Part C: Horizontal and Vertical Lines
Find at least five ordered pair solutions and graph them.
67. y=4
68. y=−10
69. x=4
70. x=−1
71. y=0
72. x=0
73. y=34
74. x=−54
75. Graph the lines y=−4 and x=2 on the same set of axes. Where do they intersect?
76. Graph the lines y=5 and x=−5 on the same set of axes. Where do they intersect?
77. What is the equation that describes the x-
78. What is the equation that describes the y-
Part D: Mixed Practice
Graph by plotting points.
79. y=−35x+6
80. y=35x−3
81. y=−3
82. x=−5
83. 3x−2y=6
84. −2x+3y=−12
Part E: Discussion Board Topics
85. Discuss the significance of the relationship between algebra and geometry in describing lines.
86. Give real-
Answers
1: No
3: Yes
5: Yes
7: Yes
9: Yes
11: No
13: Yes
15: Yes
17: Yes
19: Yes
21: (−2, 8), (0, 4), (2, 0)
23: (−2, 2), (0, 1/2), (2, −1)
25: (−3, −4), (0, −4), (3, −4)
27: (0, −1/3), (1, 1/3), (2, 1)
29: (−5, −2), (−1, 2), (0, 3)
31: (−15, 110), (−10, 80), (−5, 50)
33: (−8, −5), (2, 0), (12, 5)
35: (0, −3), (4/3, −1), (2, 0)
37: (−27/2, −1), (−12, 0), (−21/2, 1)
39:
41:
43:
45:
47:
49:
51:
53:
55:
57:
59:
61:
63:
65:
67:
69:
71:
73:
75:
77: y=0
79:
81:
83:
3.3 Graph Using Intercepts
Learning Objectives
1.Identify and find x-
2.Graph a line using x-
Definition of x-
The x-
To find the x-
Example 1: Find the x-
Solution: To find the x-
Therefore, the x-
Hence the y-
Answer: x-
Example 2: Find the x-
Solution: Begin by finding the x-
The x-
The y-
Answer: x-
Keep in mind that the intercepts are ordered pairs and not numbers. In other words, the x-
The horizontal line graphed above has a y-
The vertical line graphed above has an x-
Try this! Find the x-
Answer: x-
Video Solution
(click to see video)
Graphing Lines Using Intercepts
Since two points determine a line, we can use the x-
Example 3: Graph using intercepts: 2x−3y=12.
Solution:
Step 1: Find the x-
Step 2: Plot the intercepts and draw the line through them. Use a straightedge to create a nice straight line. Add an arrow on either end to indicate that the line continues indefinitely in either direction.
Answer:
Example 4: Graph using intercepts: y=−15x+3.
Solution: Begin by determining the x-
Next, graph the two points and draw a line through them with a straightedge.
Answer:
Example 5: Graph using intercepts: y=−2x.
Solution:
Here the x-
Use the ordered pair solutions (0, 0), (−1, 2), and (1, −2) to graph the line.
Answer:
To summarize, any linear equation can be graphed by finding two points and connecting them with a line drawn with a straightedge. Two important and useful points are the x-
Try this! Graph using intercepts: 3x−5y=15.
Answer: x-
Video Solution
(click to see video)
Finding Intercepts Given the Graph
The x-
Example 6: Find the x-
Solution: We see that the graph intersects the x-
Answer: x-
In our study of algebra, we will see that some graphs have many intercepts. Also, we will see that some graphs do not have any.
Example 7: Given the following graph, find the x-
Solution: This is a graph of a circle; we can see that it does not intersect either axis. Therefore, this graph does not have any intercepts.
Answer: None
Key Takeaways
•Since two points determine any line, we can graph lines using the x-
•To find the x-
•To find the y-
•This method of finding x-
•To graph a line, find the intercepts, if they exist, and draw a straight line through them. Use a straightedge to create the line and include arrows on either end to indicate that the line extends infinitely in either direction.
•Horizontal and vertical lines do not always have both x-
Topic Exercises
Part A: Intercepts
Given the graph, find the x-
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Find the x-
7. 5x−4y=20
8. −2x+7y=−28
9. x−y=3
10. −x+y=0
11. 3x−4y=1
12. −2x+5y=3
13. 14x−13y=1
14. −25x+34y=2
15. y=6
16. y=−3
17. x=2
18. x=−1
19. y=mx+b
20. ax+by=c
Part B: Graph Using Intercepts
Find the intercepts and graph them.
21. 3x+4y=12
22. −2x+3y=6
23. 5x−2y=10
24. −4x−8y=16
25. −12x+13y=1
26. 34x−12y=−3
27. 2x−52y=10
28. 2x−73y=−14
29. 4x−y=−8
30. 6x−y=6
31. –x+2y=1
32. 3x+4y=6
33. 2x+y=−1
34. −2x+6y=3
35. 15x+4y=−60
36. −25x+3y=75
37. 4x+2y=0
38. 3x−y=0
39. −12x+6y=−4
40. 3x+12y=−4
41. y=2x+4
42. y=−x+3
43. y=12x+1
44. y=23x−3
45. y=−25x+1
46. y=−58x−54
47. y=−78x−72
48. y=−x+32
49. y=3
50. y=32
51. x=5
52. x=−2
53. y=5x
54. y=−x
Part C: Intercepts of Nonlinear Graphs
Given the graph find the x-
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
Part D: Discussion Board Topics
65. What are the x-
66. What are the y-
67. Do all lines have intercepts?
68. How many intercepts can a circle have? Draw circles showing all possible numbers of intercepts.
69. Research and post the definitions of line segment, ray, and line. Why are the arrows important?
Answers
1: y-
3: y-
5: y-
7: x-
9: x-
11: x-
13: x-
15: x-
17: x-
19: x-
21:
23:
25:
27:
29:
31:
33:
35:
37:
39:
41:
43:
45:
47:
49:
51:
53:
55: x-
57: x-
59: x-
61: x-
63: x-
3.4 Graph Using the y-
Learning Objectives
1.Identify and find the slope of a line.
2.Graph a line using the slope and y-
Slope
The steepness of any incline can be measured as the ratio of the vertical change to the horizontal change. For example, a 5% incline can be written as 5/100, which means that for every 100 feet forward, the height increases 5 feet.
In mathematics, we call the incline of a line the slopeThe incline of a line measured as the ratio of the vertical change to the horizontal change, often referred to as rise over run. and use the letter m to denote it. The vertical change is called the riseThe vertical change between any two points on a line. and the horizontal change is called the runThe horizontal change between any two points on a line..
The rise and the run can be positive or negative. A positive rise corresponds to a vertical change up and a negative rise corresponds to a vertical change down. A positive run denotes a horizontal change to the right and a negative run corresponds to a horizontal change to the left. Given the graph, we can calculate the slope by determining the vertical and horizontal changes between any two points.
Example 1: Find the slope of the given line:
Solution: From the given points on the graph, count 3 units down and 4 units right.
Answer: m=−34
Here we have a negative slope, which means that for every 4 units of movement to the right, the vertical change is 3 units downward. There are four geometric cases for the value of the slope.
Reading the graph from left to right, we see that lines with an upward incline have positive slopes and lines with a downward incline have negative slopes.
If the line is horizontal, then the rise is 0:
The slope of a horizontal line is 0. If the line is vertical, then the run is 0:
The slope of a vertical line is undefined.
Try this! Find the slope of the given line:
Answer: m=23
Video Solution
(click to see video)
Calculating the slope can be difficult if the graph does not have points with integer coordinates. Therefore, we next develop a formula that allows us to calculate the slope algebraically. Given any two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), we can obtain the rise and run by subtracting the corresponding coordinates.
This leads us to the slope formulaGiven two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), then the slope of the line is given by the formula m=riserun=y2−y1x2−x1.. Given any two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), the slope is given by
Example 2: Find the slope of the line passing through (−3, −5) and (2, 1).
Solution: Given (−3, −5) and (2, 1), calculate the difference of the y-
Answer: m=65
We can graph the line described in the previous example and verify that the slope is 6/5.
Certainly the graph is optional; the beauty of the slope formula is that we can obtain the slope, given two points, using only algebra.
Example 3: Find the slope of the line passing through (−4, 3) and (−1, −7).
Solution:
Answer: m=−103
When using the slope formula, take care to be consistent since order does matter. You must subtract the coordinates of the first point from the coordinates of the second point for both the numerator and the denominator in the same order.
Example 4: Find the slope of the line passing through (7, −2) and (−5, −2).
Solution:
Answer: m=0. As an exercise, plot the given two points and verify that they lie on a horizontal line.
Example 5: Find the slope of the line passing through (−4, −3) and (−4, 5).
Solution:
Answer: The slope m is undefined. As an exercise, plot the given two points and verify that they lie on a vertical line.
Try this! Calculate the slope of the line passing through (−2, 3) and (5, −5).
Answer: m=−87
Video Solution
(click to see video)
When considering the slope as a rate of change it is important to include the correct units.
Example 6: A Corvette Coupe was purchased new in 1970 for about $5,200 and depreciated in value over time until it was sold in 1985 for $1,300. At this point, the car was beginning to be considered a classic and started to increase in value. In the year 2000, when the car was 30 years old, it sold at auction for $10,450. The following line graph depicts the value of the car over time.
a. Determine the rate at which the car depreciated in value from 1970 to 1985.
b. Determine the rate at which the car appreciated in value from 1985 to 2000.
Solution: Notice that the value depends on the age of the car and that the slope measures the rate in dollars per year.
a. The slope of the line segment depicting the value for the first 15 years is
Answer: The value of the car depreciated $260 per year from 1970 to 1985.
b. The slope of the line segment depicting the value for the next 15 years is
Answer: The value of the car appreciated $610 per year from 1985 to 2000.
Slope-
To this point, we have learned how to graph lines by plotting points and by using the x-
Example 7: Determine the slope and y-
Solution: In this form, the coefficient of x is the slope, and the constant is the y-
Answer: The y-
It is not always the case that the linear equation is given in slope-
Example 8: Express 3x+5y=30 in slope-
Solution: Begin by solving for y. To do this, apply the properties of equality to first isolate 5y and then divide both sides by 5.
Answer: Slope-
Once the equation is in slope-
Starting from the point (0, 6), use the slope to mark another point 3 units down and 5 units to the right.
It is not necessary to check that the second point, (5, 3), solves the original linear equation. However, we do it here for the sake of completeness.
Marking off the slope in this fashion produces as many ordered pair solutions as we desire. Notice that if we mark off the slope again, from the point (5, 3), then we obtain the x-
Example 9: Graph: −x+2y=4.
Solution: In this example, we outline the general steps for graphing a line using slope-
Step 1: Solve for y to obtain slope-
Step 2: Identify the y-
Step 3: Plot the y-
Step 4: Draw the line through the two points with a straightedge.
Answer:
In this example, we notice that we could get the x-
We could obtain another point on the line by marking off the equivalent slope down 1 unit and left 2 units. We do this twice to obtain the x-
Marking off the slope multiple times is not necessarily always going to give us the x-
Example 10: Graph and find the x-
Solution: The equation is given in slope-
We can see that the x-
Answer: The x-
Example 11: Graph: x−y=0.
Solution: Begin by solving for y.
The equation y=x can be written y=1x+0, and we have
Answer:
Try this! Graph −2x+5y=20 and label the x-
Answer:
Video Solution
(click to see video)
Key Takeaways
•Slope measures the steepness of a line as rise over run. A positive rise denotes a vertical change up, and a negative rise denotes a vertical change down. A positive run denotes a horizontal change right, and a negative run denotes a horizontal change left.
•Horizontal lines have a slope of zero, and vertical lines have undefined slopes.
•Given any two points on a line, we can algebraically calculate the slope using the slope formula, m=riserun=y2−y1x2−x1.
•Any nonvertical line can be written in slope-
•If we know the y-
•We can obtain as many points on the line as we wish by marking off the slope multiple times.
Topic Exercises
Part A: Slope
Determine the slope and the y-
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Determine the slope, given two points.
7. (3, 2) and (5, 1)
8. (7, 8) and (−3, 5)
9. (2, −3) and (−3, 2)
10. (−3, 5) and (7, −5)
11. (−1, −6) and (3, 2)
12. (5, 3) and (4, 12)
13. (−9, 3) and (−6, −5)
14. (−22, 4) and (−8, −12)
15. (12, −13) and (−12, 23)
16. (−34, 32) and (14, −12)
17. (−13, 58) and (12, −34)
18. (−35, −32) and (110, 45)
19. (3, −5) and (5, −5)
20. (−3, 1) and (−14, 1)
21. (−2, 3) and (−2, −4)
22. (−4, −4) and (5, 5)
23. A roof drops 4 feet for every 12 feet forward. Determine the slope of the roof.
24. A road drops 300 feet for every 5,280 feet forward. Determine the slope of the road.
25. The following graph gives the US population of persons 65 years old and over. At what rate did this population increase from 2000 to 2008?
Source: US Census Bureau.
26. The following graph gives total consumer credit outstanding in the United States. At what rate did consumer credit increase from 2002 to 2008?
Source: US Census Bureau.
27. A commercial van was purchased new for $20,000 and is expected to be worth $4,000 in 8 years. Determine the rate at which the van depreciates in value.
28. A commercial-