Question

part 2 of 2
think about the process what should you do first to
$y=\frac{1}{5}x - 1$
what should you do first to graph the equation?
a. plot a point at the y-intercept.
b. plot a point at the slope.
c. plot a point at the x-intercept.
d. plot the point (0,0).
use the graphing tool to graph the line. use the slope a
click to enlarge graph
click the graph, choose a tool in the palette and follow the in

Explanation:

The equation $y=\frac{1}{5}x - 1$ is in slope-intercept form ($y=mx+b$, where $b$ is the y-intercept). Graphing lines in this form starts with plotting the y-intercept, as it provides a fixed starting point to apply the slope from. Options B is invalid because slope is not a point, C is not the standard first step for slope-intercept form, and D is only relevant if the line passes through the origin, which this one does not.

Answer:

A. Plot a point at the y-intercept.

To graph the line fully:

1. The y-intercept is $b=-1$, so plot the point $(0, -1)$.
2. The slope $m=\frac{1}{5}$, meaning from the y-intercept, move 1 unit up and 5 units right to plot a second point $(5, 0)$.
3. Draw a straight line through the two points.