Real-world problems help us understand how to graph linear equations. Here’s a simple way to do it:

1. Identify Variables: First, figure out your variables.

   • The independent variable could be the number of hours worked, which we'll call $x$.
   • The dependent variable will be the money earned, which we’ll call $y$.

2. Create Equations: Next, we need to write an equation.

   • We can use the slope-intercept form, which looks like this: $y = mx + b$.
   • Here, $m$ is how much you earn for each hour you work.
   • For example, if you earn $15 for every hour, the equation will be$y = 15x$.

3. Make Data Points: Now, let’s create some data points.

   • You can do this by putting a number into $x$.
   • If you work for 2 hours (so $x = 2$), then $y$ would be $30$ because $15 \times 2 = 30$.

4. Graph: Finally, you can plot these points on a graph.

   • Draw a line to connect them. This will show how your earnings change based on hours worked.

By using information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, students can look at real trends. This makes graphing more interesting and helps improve their skills.