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Straight line graphs

Straight line graphs

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Summary

Straight line graphs

​​In a nutshell

Straight lines join two points on a coordinate grid and continue past those points infinitely. There are two types of basic straight line graphs: horizontal, and vertical, each recognisable from their equation. 


Definitions

y\bf{y}​-INTERCEPT

The point on the yy-axis where the line crosses through.​

x\bf{x}-INTERCEPT

The point on the xx-axis where the line crosses through.​

HORIZONTAL     

A straight line going left to right. Think of the "horizon" to help you remember.

VERTICAL

A straight line going up and down.



Equations of the basic straight line graphs

The equation of a horizontal line is 

y=cy=c


where cc is the yy-intercept. A vertical line has equation

x=dx=d


where dd is the xx-intercept.​



Using the equation to draw a basic straight line

To draw either a horizontal or a vertical line using its equation follow this procedure:


procedure

1.
Decide whether the equation is for a horizontal line (y=cy=c​) or a vertical line (x=dx=d​).
2a.
If horizontal, draw a horizontal line that passes through the point (0,c)(0,c)​.
2b.
If vertical, draw a vertical line that passes through the point (d,0)(d,0)​.


Note: Every point on a horizontal line has the same yy-coordinate and every point on a vertical line has the same xx-coordinate.


Example

Draw the lines y=5y=5 and x=3x=-3.


The line y=5y=5 is horizontal and passes through the point (0,5)(0,5). The line x=3x=-3 is vertical and passes through (3,0)(-3,0).

Maths; Graphs; KS4 Year 10; Straight line graphs

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FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

What do horizontal and vertical mean?

What is the equation of a vertical line?

What is the equation of a horizontal line?

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