Problem 43

Question

Graph each pair of lines in the same coordinate system using the slope and y-intercept. $$ \begin{aligned} &y=\frac{2}{3} x-1\\\ &y=\frac{2}{3} x+1 \end{aligned} $$

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
Graph the lines by plotting points at (0, -1) and (3, 1) for the first line, and (0, 1) and (3, 3) for the second line.
1Step 1: Identify the slope and y-intercept of the first line
For the equation \(y = \frac{2}{3}x - 1\), the slope is \(\frac{2}{3}\) and the y-intercept is \(-1\).
2Step 2: Plot the y-intercept of the first line
On the graph, locate the point where the first line crosses the y-axis, which is at \(y = -1\). This point is \((0, -1)\).
3Step 3: Use the slope to plot another point for the first line
Starting at the y-intercept \((0, -1)\), use the slope \(\frac{2}{3}\) to find another point. From \((0, -1)\), move up 2 units and to the right 3 units to reach the point \((3, 1)\).
4Step 4: Draw the first line
Draw a straight line through the points \((0, -1)\) and \((3, 1)\). This is the graph of the first line.
5Step 5: Identify the slope and y-intercept of the second line
For the equation \(y = \frac{2}{3}x + 1\), the slope is \(\frac{2}{3}\) and the y-intercept is \(1\).
6Step 6: Plot the y-intercept of the second line
On the graph, locate the point where the second line crosses the y-axis, which is at \(y = 1\). This point is \((0, 1)\).
7Step 7: Use the slope to plot another point for the second line
Starting at the y-intercept \((0, 1)\), use the slope \(\frac{2}{3}\) to find another point. From \((0, 1)\), move up 2 units and to the right 3 units to reach the point \((3, 3)\).
8Step 8: Draw the second line
Draw a straight line through the points \((0, 1)\) and \((3, 3)\). This is the graph of the second line.

Key Concepts

SlopeY-InterceptCoordinate System
Slope
When working with linear equations, understanding the concept of slope is crucial. The slope of a line determines how steep the line is and the direction it leans.
Mathematically, the slope is represented by the letter \(m\). It is the ratio of the change in the y-values (vertical change) to the change in the x-values (horizontal change) between two points on the line.
The formula to calculate the slope between two points \((x_1, y_1)\) and \((x_2, y_2)\) is:
\[ m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \]
For example, in the equation \(y = \frac{2}{3}x - 1\), the slope \(m\) is \(\frac{2}{3}\). This indicates that for every 3 units moved horizontally, the line rises by 2 units vertically.
Positive slopes incline upwards while negative slopes decline downwards.
  • \(m = 0\) produces a horizontal line.
  • Undefined slope (when dividing by 0) produces a vertical line.
Y-Intercept
The y-intercept is a point where the line crosses the y-axis. In the equation of a line \(y = mx + b\), the y-intercept is represented by the letter \(b\).
This value indicates the point where the line meets the y-axis when \(x = 0\).
For example, in the equation \(y = \frac{2}{3}x - 1\), the y-intercept \(b\) is \(-1\). This tells us that the line crosses the y-axis at the point \((0, -1)\).
Knowing the y-intercept helps in plotting the line on a graph.
Here are key points to remember:
  • The y-intercept gives you an initial point to start drawing the line.
  • The value of \(b\) can be either positive or negative depending on where the line crosses the y-axis.
Combining the y-intercept with the slope provides all the information needed to graph a linear equation.
Coordinate System
The coordinate system is a framework used to graph equations like lines. It consists of two perpendicular axes called the x-axis (horizontal) and the y-axis (vertical).
The point where these axes intersect is called the origin, denoted as \((0, 0)\).
Each point on the graph is identified by a pair of coordinates \((x, y)\). The x-value represents the horizontal position, and the y-value represents the vertical position.
For example, the point \((3, 2)\) is 3 units to the right of the origin and 2 units up.
Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
  • Each point on the graph has a unique set of coordinates.
  • The coordinate system allows for visual representation of algebraic equations.
  • Lines are graphed by plotting points and then drawing straight lines through these points.
Understanding the coordinate system is essential for graphing linear equations accurately.