Using a table of values to graph straight lines is a really easy and fun way to see how numbers work together! Here’s how you can do it:

1. Make a Table: Start by picking some numbers for $x$. You can use numbers like -2, -1, 0, 1, and 2. Then, put those numbers into your linear equation to find out what $y$ values go with them.

2. Fill It Out: For example, if your equation is $y = 2x + 1$, your table will look like this:

   | $x$ | $y$ | |-----|------| | -2 | -3 | | -1 | -1 | | 0 | 1 | | 1 | 3 | | 2 | 5 |

3. Plot the Points: Next, take the pairs of numbers (the $x$ and $y$) and plot them on a coordinate grid.

4. Connect the Dots: After you’ve marked all the points, draw a straight line through them.

It’s really cool to see how the numbers connect and form a line!