What is a common first step to graph a system of linear equations?

What is a common first step to graph a system of linear equations?

• A. Put each equation into slope-intercept form
• B. Solve for the determinant
• C. Factor both equations
• D. Multiply equations to eliminate a term

Answer: (A)

When graphing a system of linear equations, the first step is usually to rewrite each equation in slope-intercept form, y = mx + b. This form reveals the slope (m) and the y-intercept (b) directly, so you can plot each line by starting at the y-intercept on the y-axis and then using the slope to place a second point. Once both lines are drawn, their intersection is the solution to the system. Other methods mentioned aren’t about graphing: determinants and factoring are solving or simplifying techniques, and multiplying equations to eliminate a term is a solving method rather than a way to plot the lines.

When graphing a system of linear equations, the first step is usually to rewrite each equation in slope-intercept form, y = mx + b. This form reveals the slope (m) and the y-intercept (b) directly, so you can plot each line by starting at the y-intercept on the y-axis and then using the slope to place a second point. Once both lines are drawn, their intersection is the solution to the system. Other methods mentioned aren’t about graphing: determinants and factoring are solving or simplifying techniques, and multiplying equations to eliminate a term is a solving method rather than a way to plot the lines.