Describing the Graph of a Linear

Equation
The value of the slope m tells the trend of the graph.
 If m is positive, then the graph is increasing from left
to right.
 If m is negative, then the graph is decreasing from left
to right.
 If m is zero, then the graph is a horizontal line.
 If m is undefined, then the graph is a vertical line.
Describe the graph of the linear equation 𝒚 = 𝟒𝒙 − 𝟑.

• Since the slope is positive,

then the graph of the linear
equation 𝒚 = 𝟒𝒙 − 𝟑 is
increasing from left to
right.
Describe the graph of the linear equation 𝒚 = − 𝟔𝒙 + 𝟒.

• The equation has a negative

slope −𝟔. Thus, it can be
said that the graph of the
given equation is decreasing
from left to right.
Describe the graph of the linear equation 𝒚 = 𝟑.

• The slope of any horizontal

line is zero.
• The line on the right does not
go upward or downward as the
value of 𝒙 increases, so its
slope is zero.
Describe the graph of the linear equation 𝒙 = 𝟒.

• Since the slope cannot be

determined, or undefined,
then the graph of the given
equation is a vertical line.
 𝟑
𝒚= 𝒙 +𝟒
𝟓