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Graph y = -2 with a table

Step by step, with the reason for every step · Graphing with a table · Algebra 1

Step by step

The question

Question: graph y = −2 using a table of values.

y = −2

We pick some x values.

We work out y for each one.

Each x and y make a point.

1 Choose x values

We pick three easy x values: −1, 0 and 1.

Two points make a line.

The third one checks them.

2 Work out y

There is no x.

So y is −2 for every x.

x = −1: y = −2
−2
x = 0: y = −2
−2
x = 1: y = −2
−2

3 Plot the points

Draw the grid.

Each column is a point: x on top, y under it.

The first one is (−1, −2).

Put a dot.

(0, −2).

Dot.

(1, −2).

Dot.

Careful!

y = −2 is not x = −2.

Every point has y = −2, so the line is flat, not up and down.

Careful: not x = −2 ✗

4 Draw the line

The three dots line up.

Join the dots with a straight line.

It keeps going both ways.

5 Check

Let's check with one more x: x = 2.

We get y = −2.

x = 2: y = −2

The point (2, −2) is on our line.

So the graph is right!

Let's look back.

First: choose x values.

Then: work out y.

Then: plot the points.

Then: draw the line.

Last: check.

Answer
−2

Your turn

Try this one yourself, then check:

Graph y = −3
Show the answer
(−1, −3), (0, −3), (1, −3)

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