Chapter 24
Getting a Handle on Graphing
IN THIS CHAPTER
Plotting points and lines
Computing distances, midpoints, and slopes
Intercepting and intersecting
Writing equations of lines
Finding parallels and perpendiculars
Graphs are as important to algebra as pictures are to books and magazines. A graph can represent data that you’ve collected, or it can represent a pattern or model of an occurrence. A graph illustrates what you’re trying to demonstrate or understand.
Algebraic equations match up with their graphs. With algebraic operations and techniques applied to equations to make them more usable, the equations can be used to predict, project, and figure out various problems.
The standard system for graphing in algebra is to use the Cartesian coordinate system, where points are represented by ordered pairs of numbers; connected points can be lines, curves, or disjointed pieces of graphs.
This chapter can help you sort out much of the graphing mystery and even perfect your graphing ...
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