GraphFour Steps

Graph

The Four Steps are:1. Title2. Table3. System4. Line

1. Title

-Use the equation Example y = x + 1

-If a word problem use words that describe the x and y relationship Example Miles per Gallon

2. Table Δx x y Δy

-2

-1

0

1

2

HINTSIf a word problem, use the values in the problem to choose your x values.

If an equation, use the values shown in the table. •Choose 2 negative, zero and 2 positives.

Substitute the x-values into the equation and solve for y. Complete the table

a) Complete the table by substituting the x values to determine the y-values.

b) Whenever possible use zeroc) Choose five values of x. d) Choose them wisely.

2. Table Δx x y Δy

-2

-1 - -2 = 1 -1

0 - - 1 = 1 0

1 – 0 = 1 1

2 - 1 = 1 2

Find the deltas.

Delta means changeIt is the fourth letter of the Greek Alphabet

x = x2 – x1

y = y2 – y1

3. Systema. Draw your Cartesian Coordinate

System – x and y axes should be drawn on top of the grid lines.

b. The axes should have arrows on both ends.

c. Label the axes.

b. The scale must fit the table values.

c. The intervals must fit your scale onto your system; each interval must be of equal value. Note: the x-intervals can be different than the y-intervals.

y

x-4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4

4

3

2

1

-1

-2

-3

-4

4. Line

a. Plot your points carefully.

b.Draw your line with a ruler.

y

x-4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4

4

3

2

1

-1

-2

-3

-4

TitleTable System Line

That’s the way we graph real fine!

Finished Graph

y = x + 1

y

x-4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4

4

3

2

1

-1

-2

-3

-4