Linear Equations -- Hooray!!

Today we learned all about linear equations, and how to graph them. This is exciting stuff that most people don't get to learn until 8th grade! I feel so excited! You guys did a fabulous job of learning some complicated stuff!

One of the things we learned is that the equation for a line always follows this formula:

y = mx + b

Do you remember what each of the variables stands for? Let's refresh our memory:

y = the y coordinate (part of the ordered pair)
x = the x coordinate (the other part of the ordered pair)
b = the y intercept (the place where the line will cross the y axis)

and

m = the slope

remember that the slope = the rise over the run, or rise/run

We learned many other things in today's session. How much do you remember? Please take a moment to write some of the things you remember in the comments section of this post!

Ok -- so for homework each of you were given a handout with a bunch of linear equations on it to practice with. Your homework assignment is to pick THREE of those equations and graph them on the coordinate grid (that you have drawn on the graph paper I gave to you).

Here is the process I want you to use:
(1) graph each line using the slope (m) and y intercept (b) shortcut
(2) use a function table to check your work and make sure your line is correct
(3) label each line by writing its corresponding linear equation next to it
(4) label each point by writing the corresponding ordered pair
(5) Graph all three equations on the same coordinate grid (you can use different colored pencils to graph them if you think it will be more easy to read)

After you have done of this, do a little happy dance because you are done with your homework!! YAY!!

However, if you want to CHALLENGE yourself -- here's an interesting challenge problem to tickle your brain! (click on the picture to make it bigger and more readable)