How do you graph y + 4 = -2x by plotting points?

1 Answer
Jun 6, 2017

With functions that have a degree of 1 and are not reciprocal, we can determine that the function is linear. Thus, we can just find the intercepts and connect them with a straight line.

In this case, the intercepts are: (-2, 0) and (0, -4).

Explanation:

So, the best way to graph this relation is to find the intercepts and connect them with a straight line.

I know this is a linear equation because the highest degree is 1. The variables are not in the reciprocal format as well.

Anyways, let's first make an equation for the variables.

We'll start with x first.

y+4=-2x

(y+4)/-2=x

Now let's find the x-intercept by subbing in y=0.

(y+4)/-2=x

(0+4)/-2=x

4/-2=x

-2=x

Thus, the x-intercept is (-2, 0).

Now let's make an equation for the y.

y+4=-2x

y=-2x-4

Now let's find the y-intercept by subbing in x=0.

y=-2x-4

y=-2(0)-4

y=-4

Thus, the y-intercept is (0, -4).

All we have to do is connect them with a straight line and we have our graph.

graph{y+4=-2x [-10, 10, -5, 5]}

Hope this helps :)