Linear Equation: an equation whose

graph forms a line. Linear means of a

line. So a linear equation is the equation
of a line.
In linear equations, all variables are
taken to the first power.
3x  4 y  11 is linear.
2
y  x  6 x  2 is not. Why?
Suppose you were asked to graph the
solution set of the linear equation,
x  y  3.
You could start by creating a table of
values.

x
y
Choose any number to use as x or y . . .

x y3

x 0
y
. . . and substitute the number for the
variable.
0x  y  3
Then calculate to find, y3

x 0
y 3
Continue, until you have 3 sets of x and
y values.
3x  y  3

x 0 3
y 3 0
Continue, until you have 3 sets of x and
y values.
x  6y  3

x 0 3 3
y 3 0 6
With your table completed for three sets
of values, you are ready to graph the line.

x y 3

x 0 3 3
y 3 0 6
When x is 0, y is 3, so plot the point,
(0, 3).

x y 3 0, 3

x 0 3 3
y 3 0 6
And when x is 3, y is 0, so plot the
point, (3, 0).

x y 3

x 0 3 3 3, 0
y 3 0 6
And finally, when x is -3, y is 6, so
plot the point, (-3, 6).

x y 3  3, 6

x 0 3 3
y 3 0 6
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x y 3

x 0 3 3
y 3 0 6
This is the graph of the linear equation,
x  y  3.
Create a table of values for each
equation, and graph it on grid paper:

1. x  y  5
2. 2 x  y  7
3. y  2 x  4
1
4. y  x  1
2