Question

How do you graph `y=7/2x-2`?

Answer 1

See procedure below.

Explanation:

The following procedure will give you the coordinates of 2 data points. As we work them out, put them on your graph paper. Then you can draw a line between them and extend them as far as you like.

Plug in 0 for y and find the value of x that satisfies the equation:

`y = 7/2x - 2`

If `y = 0`, then `0 = 7/2x - 2`

Now, solve for x.
Add 2 to both sides. Then we have `2 = 7/2*x`
Multiply both sides by `2/7`.
So `2/7*2 = 2/7*7/2*x`
Cancel where possible. `2/7*2 = cancel(2)/cancel(7)*cancel(7)/cancel(2)*x`

So we have
`x = 4/7`
Therefore, you can plot a data point at `(4/7,0)`

Repeat, except plug in 0 for x. Starting with:

`y = 7/2x - 2`

If `x = 0`, then `y = 7/2*0 - 2`

That simplifies to `y = - 2`

Therefore you can plot a second point at `(0,-2)`. Those are the 2 points that cross the x-y axes. Draw the line.

I hope this helps,
Steve