
# 4: Graphs


• 4.1: Use the Rectangular Coordinate System
Just like maps use a grid system to identify locations, a grid system is used in algebra to show a relationship between two variables in a rectangular coordinate system. The rectangular coordinate system is also called the xy-plane or the ‘coordinate plane’.
• 4.2: Graph Linear Equations in Two Variables
• 4.3: Graph with Intercepts
When graphing a line by plotting points, you can use any three solutions to graph. This means that two people graphing the line might use different sets of three points. At first glance, their two lines might not appear to be the same, but if all the work was done correctly, the lines should be exactly the same. One way to recognize that they are indeed the same line is to look at where the line crosses the x- axis and the y- axis. These points are called the intercepts of the line.
• 4.4: Understanding the Slope of a Line
When you graph linear equations, you may notice that some lines tilt up as they go from left to right and some lines tilt down. Some lines are very steep and some lines are flatter. What determines whether a line tilts up or down or if it is steep or flat? In mathematics, the ‘tilt’ of a line is called the slope of the line. The concept of slope has many applications in the real world: the pitch of a roof, grade of a highway, and a ramp for a wheelchair are some examples.
• 4.5: Use the Slope–Intercept Form of an Equation of a Line
We have graphed linear equations by plotting points, using intercepts, recognizing horizontal and vertical lines, and using the point–slope method. Once we see how an equation in slope–intercept form and its graph are related, we’ll have one more method we can use to graph lines.
• 4.6: Find the Equation of a Line
• 4.7: Graphs of Linear Inequalities