Chapter 11: Problem 86
In the following exercises, graph the vertical and horizontal lines. $$ x=-5 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Graph a vertical line at \( x = -5 \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Given Equation
The equation provided is given as \( x = -5 \). This states that for any value of \( y \), \( x \) will always be \( -5 \).
02
Determine the Nature of the Line
The equation \( x = -5 \) is that of a vertical line. Vertical lines have a constant \( x \text{-coordinate} \) irrespective of the \( y \text{-coordinate} \).
03
Plot Points for the Line
To graph this line, choose any values for \( y \) and set \( x = -5 \). For example: - (\( -5, 0 \)) - (\( -5, 2 \)) - (\( -5, -3 \)).
04
Draw the Vertical Line
On a graph, plot the points (\( -5, 0 \)), (\( -5, 2 \)), and (\( -5, -3 \)). Connect these points with a straight vertical line.
05
Check and Label the Graph
Ensure the line passes through all points where \( x = -5 \). Label the line as \( x = -5 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vertical Lines
A vertical line on a graph is a line that goes straight up and down, parallel to the y-axis. In mathematical terms, a vertical line has an equation of the form x = a where 'a' is a constant. This means that for any value of y, the x-value will always be the same—in this case, -5. Consider the example line with the equation x = -5. No matter what y-value you pick, the x-value stays at -5. This creates a vertical line on the graph. Vertical lines are unique because they have an undefined slope, making them distinct from horizontal or slanted lines.
Graph Plotting
Graph plotting is a crucial skill in algebra and geometry. When plotting a graph, you start by drawing the axes: the horizontal x-axis and the vertical y-axis. Each axis is marked with evenly spaced numbers. To plot a point, locate its x and y coordinates and mark where they meet on the graph. In the case of plotting the vertical line x = -5, you'll follow these steps:
- Identify the x-coordinate, which is always -5.
- Choose any y-value, such as 0, 2, or -3.
- Plot the points (-5, 0), (-5, 2), and (-5, -3) on the graph.
- Connect the points with a straight vertical line.
Cartesian Coordinates
The Cartesian coordinate system is a way to uniquely determine the position of points on a plane. Named after René Descartes, it uses two perpendicular axes: the x-axis (horizontal) and the y-axis (vertical). Each point on the plane is represented by a pair of numbers (x, y), called the coordinates. The x-coordinate tells you how far to move right or left from the origin (0,0), while the y-coordinate tells you how far to move up or down. For instance, the coordinates (-5, 2) mean you move 5 units to the left and 2 units up from the origin. In graphing the line x = -5, all points will have -5 as the x-coordinate, and varying values for y.
Linear Equations
Linear equations represent straight lines on a graph and can come in various forms. The most common form is the slope-intercept form y = mx + b where 'm' is the slope and 'b' is the y-intercept. Another form is the standard form Ax + By = C. Vertical lines, such as x = -5, are a special type of linear equation where the x-value remains constant, and the slope is undefined. To graph a vertical line, you only need to plot points where x is the given constant and y varies. The simplicity of linear equations makes them foundational for more advanced math topics.