Final answer:
To graph an equation in slope-intercept form, plot the y-intercept on the graph and then use the slope, which is the rise over the run, to find another point. Draw a straight line through these points that extends across the graph.
Step-by-step explanation:
To graph an equation in slope-intercept form, which is y = mx + b, begin by identifying the y-intercept (b) and the slope (m). The y-intercept is the point where the line crosses the y-axis. Start by plotting this point on the graph at the y-coordinate (0, b). Next, use the slope to determine the direction and steepness of the line. The slope is the 'rise over run', meaning for each step right (run) along the x-axis, move up (rise) by the slope value if it's positive, or down if it's negative.
For example, if the y-intercept is 9, you would plot the first point at (0, 9) on the y-axis. If the slope is 3, it indicates a rise of 3 units for every 1 unit you move to the right. From the y-intercept, move right 1 unit and up 3 units to plot the second point. Draw a line through these points, extending it across the graph; this line will have a consistent slope throughout.
To graph an equation in slope-intercept form, y = mx + b, you need to understand the meaning of the different parts of the equation. The b in the equation is the y-intercept, which tells you where the line crosses the y-axis. The m in the equation is the slope, which represents how steep or shallow the line is. To graph the equation, start by plotting the y-intercept on the y-axis, and then use the slope to find additional points on the line by following the rise over run rule.