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How can i solve linear system by graphing y = -1

User Yudit
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1 Answer

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You haven't presented a whole system to solve. y = -1 is the equation of one graph, and this graph is the horizontal line y = -1. Graph this line.

Now supposing you have a 2nd linear equation, 3x - y = 5. Solve this for y:

y = -3x + 5. Graph this line on the same set of axes as you used for y = -1.
Plot the y-intercept, which is (0,5). Starting at (0,5), move 1 unit to the right and then 3 units down. Connect the 2 points with a straight line.

You must now determine where the graphs of y = -1 and y = -3x + 5 intersect. Sometimes this is easy to do visually.

Suppose that you see the 2 graphs intersect. Determine the x- and y-coordinates of the point of intersection. THAT is the solution of your system of linear equations.
User Gbronner
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