Skip to main content
Ch. R - Algebra Review
Lial - Trigonometry 12th Edition
Lial12th EditionTrigonometryISBN: 9780136552161Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 1, Problem 29

For each equation, (a) give a table with at least three ordered pairs that are solutions, and (b) graph the equation. See Examples 3 and 4. y = ½ x - 2

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the given equation: \(y = \frac{1}{2}x - 2\). This is a linear equation in slope-intercept form \(y = mx + b\), where \(m = \frac{1}{2}\) is the slope and \(b = -2\) is the y-intercept.
To create a table of ordered pairs \((x, y)\), choose at least three values for \(x\). For each chosen \(x\), substitute it into the equation to find the corresponding \(y\) value.
For example, select \(x = 0\), \(x = 2\), and \(x = 4\). Calculate \(y\) for each: - When \(x=0\), \(y = \frac{1}{2} \times 0 - 2 = -2\). - When \(x=2\), \(y = \frac{1}{2} \times 2 - 2 = 1 - 2 = -1\). - When \(x=4\), \(y = \frac{1}{2} \times 4 - 2 = 2 - 2 = 0\).
Organize these results into a table of ordered pairs: \[\begin{array}{c|c}$ x & y \(\hline\) 0 & -2 \\ 2 & -1 \\ 4 & 0 $\end{array}\]
To graph the equation, plot the points from the table on the coordinate plane. Then, draw a straight line through these points, extending it in both directions. The slope \(\frac{1}{2}\) means the line rises 1 unit for every 2 units it moves to the right.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
5m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Slope-Intercept Form of a Linear Equation

The equation y = ½ x - 2 is in slope-intercept form y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept. The slope ½ indicates the line rises 1 unit for every 2 units it moves right, and the y-intercept -2 is where the line crosses the y-axis.
Recommended video:
6:00
Categorizing Linear Equations

Finding Ordered Pairs (Solutions) for a Linear Equation

To find ordered pairs (x, y) that satisfy the equation, select values for x and compute the corresponding y values using the equation. These pairs represent points on the line and are essential for plotting the graph.
Recommended video:
7:48
Solving Linear Equations

Graphing a Linear Equation

Graphing involves plotting the ordered pairs on a coordinate plane and drawing a straight line through them. The slope determines the line's angle, and the y-intercept shows where it crosses the y-axis, providing a visual representation of all solutions.
Recommended video:
6:00
Categorizing Linear Equations