Slope-Intercept Form

Another way to graph a line is to get it in slope-intercept form: y = mx + b, where

• m is the slope of the line 
• b is the y-intercept

Since we are given a point of the line, and the slope, we can find an infinite number of other points on the line and connect them.

Remember: slope (m) is equal to the (change in y) / (change in x). Slope = "rise over run"

Slope-intercept form of a line: y = mx + b

Let's examine how to graph one of these equations: y = 2x + 1.

This is in slope-intercept form, so we know that the number in front of x is the slope (2), and that 1 is the y-intercept.

Start by plotting the y-intercept.

Next, since we know that the slope is , also known as , we know that another point will be two spaces up and one over (in the positive direction of course).

Finally, connect these points.

Look Out: when using slope-intercept form to graph lines, you must solve the equation for y, not x.