6 Graphs of Straight Lines
6.1 Coordinates Cartesian
Every point in the plane requires 2 numbers (coordinates) to fix or describe its position
uniquely. Coordinates (3, 2) of the point P in the system (or framework) shown are called
Cartesian coordinates after the Frenchman, René Descartes, who introduced the system in
1637).
y
x coordinate
y axis
y coordinate
P
2
(3, 2)
O 3 x
origin (0, 0) x axis
The x value (x-coordinate) is listed first.
The y value (y-coordinate) is listed second.
Any two letters can be used to specify the axes (the x-axis and y-axis in the diagram).
The two perpendicular axes are in fact two number lines. Their point of intersection is
called the origin with coordinates (0, 0).
Exercises 6.1:
Plot (i.e. mark in the coordinates of) a few points of your own
choosing (e.g. (−2, 1), (1, −3), (−2, −1 21 ), (0, 1)) as an exercise.
When sketching the graph of an equation such as y = 2x + 1 (i.e., joining plotted
points of the graph), care must be taken to secure reasonable accuracy. In this case of
a straight line, you need a sharp pencil and a ruler with a really straight edge to obtain
maximum precision. Sketching curves, as in Topic 8, requires only a genuine approximation
to the shape. In any case, your drawing should not look as if it had been done by Clancy
of the Overflow’s shearing mate “with a thumbnail dipped in tar”.
6–1
6.2 Lines parallel to the axes: y=constant, x=constant
Lines y = constant are parallel to the x-axis y = 0.
Lines x = constant are parallel to the y-axis x = 0.
Examples in the graph: y = 2, x = 4, y = −3.
y (x = 0)
x=4
y=2
(y = 0)
O x
y = −3
[The symbol || means “is (are) parallel to”.]
6.3 Gradient (Slope)
gradient (slope)
y = mx (= −3x say)
x= −1 0 1
y= 3 0 −3
(Any) two points determine a line uniquely, but a third point is useful for checking.
y
(−1, 3)
(0, 0)
O x
y = −3x
gradient -3
(1, −3)
6–2
6.4 y = mx + c
Example: y = 5x − 2
2
x= 5
0 1
y= 0 −2 3
The x-intercept is the distance OA (= 52 ). To get it, we put y = 0 in the equation of
the line.
The y-intercept is the distance OB (= −2). To get it, we put x = 0 in the equation of
the line.
y
gradient 5
y = 5x − 2
O A
2 x
5
-2 B
6.5 Pair of Lines
Example: Find the unique point of intersection of the lines
( (
3 1
3x + 4y = 2 y = − 4
x + 2
i.e.
x + y = 3 y = − x + 3
This problem was solved algebraically in Topic 5, Section 3 (x = 10, y = −7). Here,
you are asked to plot points in order to draw the lines represented by the equations. Of
course, the coordinates of the point of intersection of the lines must be (10, −7) for total
accuracy.
6–3
y
O x
x+y =3
3x + 4y = 2
(10, −7)
6.6 Parallel Lines
Two non-parallel lines meet in a unique point.
Two parallel lines do not meet. Parallel lines have the same gradient e.g. y = 2x and
y = 2x + 1 are parallel with gradient 2.
[It may be mentioned in passing that in 3 dimensions (i.e. in ordinary space) two
non-parallel lines may not intersect; such lines are said to be skew.]
6.7 Graphing Exercises
Exercises 6.2:
Solve graphically, i.e., by drawing graphs of:
)
2x + 3y = 10
(i)
3x − 2y = −11
)
5x − 2y = 1
(ii)
2x = 4 − y
)
x − y = 5
(iii)
3x − 3y = 4
)
x − y = 5
(iv)
3x − 3y = 15
6–4
6.8 Answers to Exercises
6.1:
y
(−2, 1)
(0, 1)
(−2, −1 21 )
(1, −3)
6.2:
(i) (−1, 4)
3x − 2y = −11
(−1, 4)
2x + 3y = 10
x
(ii) (1, 2)
5x − 2y = 1
(1, 2)
x
2x = 4 − y
6–5
(iii) The lines are parallel (having the same gradient 1) so they don’t met, i.e., they don’t
have a point of intersection, i.e., there is no solution of the equations.
y 3x − 3y = 4
x−y =5
(iv) The two line are not distinct, i.e., there is only one line, so there is an infinite number
of points on the line(s), i.e., there is an infinite number of solutions.
y
x
x−y =5
3x − 3y = 15
6–6
