Graphs - One Perspective

Today we learned how to graph a line by generating a table of values from an equation. Here is a review.

You can use this tool to generate a table of values and a graph from any linear function. Follow these steps:

1. Enter the expression in the box next to f(x) =. i.e. if the equation is y = 2x - 1, enter 2x - 1 in the box.



2. In the boxes under Values of x enter the x-values, say from -3 through 3. You can enter more if you like.



3. Click on the button marked [Evaluate] to find all the corresponding y-values (y-coordinates).



4. Enter the ordered pair [(x, y)] with the smallest x-coordinate -- i.e. (-3, y) -- in the box next to Left End-Point: do the same for the largest x-coordinate -- i.e. (3, y) -- in the box next to Right End-Point:



5. Click the button marked [Graph] to see the graph.



6. Click the button [Erase Everything] to begin again with a new equation.

We're going to spend the next several days talking about the equations of lines. Remember the 4 perspectives of the same object (my block of wood) we discussed in class today -- it's going to come up a lot. ;-)