College Algebra 'Graphing'

Graphing Equations in two variables- ordered pairs are used to express the solutions of equations in two variables. when an ordered pair represents the solution of an equation with the variables x and y, the x value is written first. 

Graph of an equation-  found by plotting ordered pairs that are solutions of the equation

Intercepts of the graph- good points to plot first

X Intercept- a point where the graph intersects the x axis; the x intercept is represented by an ordered pair where y=0

Y intercept- a point where the graph intersects the y axis; the y intercept is represented by an ordered pair where x=0

Graphing an equation by point plotting steps:

1. find the intercepts

2. find as many additional ordered pairs as needed

3. plot the ordered pairs from steps 1 and 2

4. join the points from step 3 with a smooth line or curve