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

Apr 3, 2018

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:

$y = \frac{7}{2} x - 2$

If $y = 0$, then $0 = \frac{7}{2} x - 2$

Now, solve for x.
Add 2 to both sides. Then we have $2 = \frac{7}{2} \cdot x$
Multiply both sides by $\frac{2}{7}$.
So $\frac{2}{7} \cdot 2 = \frac{2}{7} \cdot \frac{7}{2} \cdot x$
Cancel where possible. $\frac{2}{7} \cdot 2 = \frac{\cancel{2}}{\cancel{7}} \cdot \frac{\cancel{7}}{\cancel{2}} \cdot x$

So we have
$x = \frac{4}{7}$
Therefore, you can plot a data point at $\left(\frac{4}{7} , 0\right)$

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

$y = \frac{7}{2} x - 2$

If $x = 0$, then $y = \frac{7}{2} \cdot 0 - 2$

That simplifies to $y = - 2$

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

I hope this helps,
Steve