Idiot\'s Guides Basic Math and Pre-Algebra

Chapter 11: Coordinate Graphing 147

The Least You Need to Know

• The coordinate system assigns a pair of numbers, called coordinates, to every
  point in the plane. The first number tells you how to move horizontally, and the
  second tells how to move vertically.


• Any equation can be graphed by making a table and plotting points. The
  x-intercept and the y-intercept are easy points to calculate.


• The slope is a number that tells whether a line rises or falls and how steeply.


• If the equation is in y = mx + b form, start at b on the y-axis and count the slope, m,
  to see where the line goes.