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How Do Coefficients and Constants Affect the Graphing of Linear Equations?

When you make a graph of linear equations, two important parts really shape the graph. These parts are called coefficients and constants. Here’s how they work:

  1. Slope (Coefficient of xx): The number in front of xx is called the coefficient. It tells us how steep the line is.

    • If this number is big and positive, the line goes up steeply.
    • If it's negative, the line slopes down.
  2. Y-Intercept (Constant): The constant is a number that tells us where the line crosses the y-axis.

    • In the equation y=mx+cy = mx + c, the cc is the y-intercept. It shows us the starting point of the line on the y-axis.
  3. Overall Position: When you change the constant, the whole line moves up or down.

    • This change doesn’t affect how steep the line is.

If you understand these parts, you can better predict how changes in the equation will change the graph. This makes it easier to draw and visualize them!

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How Do Coefficients and Constants Affect the Graphing of Linear Equations?

When you make a graph of linear equations, two important parts really shape the graph. These parts are called coefficients and constants. Here’s how they work:

  1. Slope (Coefficient of xx): The number in front of xx is called the coefficient. It tells us how steep the line is.

    • If this number is big and positive, the line goes up steeply.
    • If it's negative, the line slopes down.
  2. Y-Intercept (Constant): The constant is a number that tells us where the line crosses the y-axis.

    • In the equation y=mx+cy = mx + c, the cc is the y-intercept. It shows us the starting point of the line on the y-axis.
  3. Overall Position: When you change the constant, the whole line moves up or down.

    • This change doesn’t affect how steep the line is.

If you understand these parts, you can better predict how changes in the equation will change the graph. This makes it easier to draw and visualize them!

Related articles