4.

3 Writing Linear Equations

Slope Intercept
Point Slope
Standard Form

Y = mx + b

y y1 = m(x x1)

(where m is the slope and b is the y intercept)

(where m is the slope and (x1, y1) is a point)

ax + by = c

Part 1: When given the slope and the y intercept

Write this in slope intercept form

Y = mx + b
(where m is the slope and b is the y intercept)

Ex. M = 4, y intercept is -2
Y = 4x 2




Part 2: When given 2 points

1. Find the slope of these 2 points
2. Use Point Slope Form of an equation by using the slope you just found and one of the
points (it does not matter which point you use, both will work)
3. Distribute the slope value through the parenthesis
4. Solve for y to put into slope intercept form

Ex. (-2, 3) (2, 4)

M = Y2 Y1
X2 X1

M = 4 3
=
2 (-2)

y y1 = m(x x1)

y 3 = (x (-2))
y 3 = (x + 2)
y 3 = x + 2/4
y 3 = x +
y = x + + 3
y = x + 3

Part 3: When given the intercepts

Remember the x intercept ordered pair is (x intercept, 0)
Remember the y intercept ordered pair is (0, y intercept)

Ex. X intercept 4 -- the ordered pair would be (4, 0) because this point is on the x
axis, and y is the value of 0 on the x axis

Ex. Y intercept -5 -- the ordered pair would be (0, -5) because this point is on the y
axis, and x is the value of 0 on the y axis

Now that you have these 2 points identified in ordered pair form:

1. Find the slope of these 2 points
2. Use Point Slope Form of an equation by using the slope you just found and one of the
points (it does not matter which point you use, both will work)
3. Distribute the slope value through the parenthesis
4. Solve for y to put into slope intercept form

Ex. x intercept 4, y intercept -5

(4, 0) (0, -5)

m = -5/-4 which is the same thing as 5/4

y 0 = 5/4 (x 4)
y = (5/4)x 5

Part 4: When given the slope and a point

1. Use Point Slope Form of an equation by using the slope you were given with the
point you were given
2. Distribute the slope value through the parenthesis
3. Solve for y to put into slope intercept form

Ex. M = 2, (2,3)

Y 3 = 2(x 2)
Y 3 = 2x 4
Y = 2x - 1

Part 5: From a graph

1. Identify 2 points on the graph
2. Find the slope of these 2 points
3. Use Point Slope Form of an equation by using the slope you just found and one of the
points (it does not matter which point you use, both will work)
4. Distribute the slope value through the parenthesis
5. Solve for y to put into slope intercept form