Math Problem Statement

How do I plot the equation y = -2x - 2 on a graph?

Solution

The equation given is y=2x2y = -2x - 2, and you have provided a blank graph to plot it on. Let's break down how to plot this line.

Step-by-Step Guide to Plotting:

  1. Identify the slope and y-intercept:

    • The equation is in slope-intercept form y=mx+by = mx + b, where:
      • m=2m = -2 is the slope (which tells us how steep the line is),
      • b=2b = -2 is the y-intercept (which is the point where the line crosses the y-axis).
  2. Plot the y-intercept:

    • The y-intercept is 2-2. So, on the graph, locate (0,2)(0, -2) and mark it.
  3. Use the slope to find another point:

    • The slope m=2m = -2 can be written as 21\frac{-2}{1}. This means for every 1 unit you move to the right (increasing x by 1), you move 2 units down (decreasing y by 2).
    • Starting from (0,2)(0, -2), move 1 unit right to x=1x = 1 and 2 units down to y=4y = -4. So another point on the line is (1,4)(1, -4).
  4. Draw the line:

    • With these two points, (0,2)(0, -2) and (1,4)(1, -4), draw a straight line through them. You can also extend the line in both directions to fill the graph.

This will give you the graph of the equation y=2x2y = -2x - 2.

Would you like me to generate this plot for you?


Related Questions:

  1. How do you determine the slope from a linear equation?
  2. What does the y-intercept represent in real-world problems?
  3. How would the graph change if the slope was positive?
  4. What happens to the line if the y-intercept increases?
  5. Can you find the x-intercept from the equation?

Tip: When dealing with linear equations, always start by identifying the slope and y-intercept to make plotting easier.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Equations
Slope-Intercept Form
Graphing

Formulas

y = mx + b
Slope = rise/run

Theorems

Slope-Intercept Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9