This method is useful when you just need a rough answer, or you're pretty sure the intersection happens at integer coordinates. Just graph the two lines, and see where they intersect!
Example:
Solve the system by graphing.
y = 0.5x + 2
y = –2x – 3
"m" represents the slope.
"b" represents the y-intercept.
. How to Graph Using y = mx + b
Solve the equation for y.
Determine the slope and y-intercept.
Graph the y-intercept.
Use the movements of slope (or rise/run) to graph more points begainning at the y-intercept.
Connect the points with a straight line and arrows on each end.
Label the line with its equation.
We can't count the rise over the run like we did in the calculating slope lesson because our units on
the x and y axis are not the same. In most real life problems, your units will not be the same on the x and y axis. So, we need another method!