Benefits to Writing Algebra Equations in Standard Form With a Tutor in Torrance
Last Updated on September 30, 2020 by A Plus In-Home Tutors
Learning how to graph linear equations is a big part of Algebra, and unfortunately, not all tests will allow your student help from a graphing calculator.
Good news, an A Plus In Home Algebra Tutor in Torrance can teach you super simple graphing tips that will take away your linear equation headaches!
In Algebra, slope intercept form is one way to graph linear equations, but there’s another, often easier way – convert the Algebra equation to standard form and find the x and y intercepts.
Standard form must be written as Ax + By = C, where A and B are coefficients and C is the constant.
In order to figure out how to find the x and y intercepts, let’s first review what an intercept is in Algebra: an intercept is where your line crosses an axis. The point where the line touches the x axis is called the x intercept, and the point where the line touches the y axis is called the y intercept.
Once Algebra equations are written in standard form, it’s easy to find the intercepts. To find the X intercept, let y = 0. To find the Y intercept, you let x = 0. Then, right when we find the points where the line crosses the x and y axis, we’re already able to draw a line!
Here’s an Algebra example:
4x+8y = 16
Find the x intercept
Let y = 0
4x+8(0) = 16
4x = 16
x = 4
X Intercept = (4,0)
Find the y intercept
Let x = 0
4(0)+8y = 16
8y = 16
y = 2
Y intercept = (0,2)
That’s all you need to be able to draw your graph!
So how do you convert an Algebra equation to standard form?
We need the variables x and y to be on the left, and the constant to be on the right. From there, we move terms around like we would with any Algebra equation – whatever you do to one side, make sure you do it to the other!
Say you are given the following Algebra equation:
y = -1/2x – 8
That might be a bit difficult to graph as is (slope intercept form), so make things easier. Let’s convert it to standard form.
Multiply both sides by 2 and you get 2y = -x – 16.
Then, add x to both sides to get:
x + 2y = -16.
That’s the Algebra equation in standard form!
Let x = 0 and you get y = -8, making the y intercept (0, -8).
Let y = 0 and you get x = -16, making the x intercept (-16,0)
From there, you have two points and can immediately draw your line. Algebra problem solved!
Need more help with graphing linear equations or converting a slope intercept form equation to standard form in Torrance?
An expert Algebra tutor from A Plus In Home Tutors can teach you useful tricks and tips.
Visit us at www.APlusInHomeTutors.com to find a great Algebra tutor near you!
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