Graph with Slopes &
y-Intercepts
Learn to use slopes and y-intercepts
to graph linear equations.
Focus 7 - Learning Goal #1: The student will understand the
connections between proportional relationships, lines, and linear equations and
use functions to model relationships between quantities.
4
3
2
1
0
In addition to
level 3.0 and
beyond what
was taught in
class, the
student may:
 Make
connection
with other
concepts in
math.
 Make
connection
with other
content
areas.
The student will
demonstrate and
explain the
connections
between
proportional
relationships,
lines, and linear
equations and
use functions to
model
relationships
between
quantities.
The student
will
demonstrate
and identify
proportional
relationships,
lines, and
linear
equations and
use functions
to model
quantities.
With help
from the
teacher, the
student has
partial
success with
level 2 and 3
elements.
Even with
help,
students
have no
success with
level 2 and 3
content.
In an equation written in slope-intercept
form, y = mx + b, m is the slope and b is
the y-intercept.
y = mx + b
Slope
y-intercept
y = mx + b
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The y-intercept is where the line crosses
the y-axis.
This is the vertical axis.
The y-intercept is written as an ordered
pair (0, y).
The y-intercept of y = 2x + 1 is
(0, 1)
The y-intercept of y = 2x – 3 is
(0, -3)
y = mx + b
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The slope tells us how steep the line is.
If m is positive, the line will go up from
left to right.
If m is negative, the line will go down
from left to right.
The slope of y = 2x + 1 is
2
(Do NOT write the x after the 2.)
The slope of y = -1/2x – 3 is
-½
Determine what is the
slope, y-intercept, and
direction of each
equation.
1.
1.
2.
y = 3x + 4
2.
y=½x–9
3.
y = -4/5 x + 7
4.
y = -2x - 4
3.
4.
Slope = 3
y-intercept = (0, 4)
goes up left to
right
Slope = ½
y-intercept = (0,-9)
goes up left to
right
Slope = -4/5
y-intercept = (0,7)
goes down left to
right
Slope = -2
y-intercept = (0,-4)
goes down left to
right
Graph the line y = 2/5x + 2
The slope is 2/5 & the y-intercept is (0, 2).
Steps to graphing a
line in slope
intercept form:
1. Plot the yintercept. (0,2)
2. Count up 2,
right 5 and plot
next point.
3. Connect the
dots.
Graph the line y = -x + 3
1.
2.
3.
4.
Plot the y-intercept
(0, 3)
Slope -1
Count down 1, right 1.
Line will go down
from left to right.
Graph the line y = 2/3x + 4
1.
2.
3.
4.
Plot the y-intercept
(0, 4)
Slope 2/3
Count up 2, right 3.
Line will go up from
left to right.
“y = mx + b” video