Final answer:
Plotting the points of a linear equation y = a + bx on a graph results in a straight line, with the slope determined by the value of b. A positive b means an upward slope, zero b results in a horizontal line, and a negative b gives a downward slope.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you plot the points or solutions of an equation on a graph, the type of line it creates depends on the form of the equation. For a linear equation of the form y = a + bx, the resulting graph is a straight line. Depending on the value of b, the slope of the line can vary:
- If b > 0, the line slopes upward to the right, indicating a positive slope.
- If b = 0, the line is horizontal, which means there is no slope.
- If b < 0, the line slopes downward to the right, signifying a negative slope.
For nonlinear equations, the graph will not be a straight line; it can be curved, such as in the case of quadratic or exponential functions, or it could take other shapes depending on the complexity of the equation involved.