Graphing Linear Equation y = 3x + 1 using Slope-Intercept Form

Published on March 11, 2026

Algebra

Graph the line defined by the equation y = 3x + 1 by identifying the y-intercept (b=1) and using the slope (m=3) to plot points.

Question

Answer

The user wants to graph the linear equation on the provided coordinate plane.
This equation is in the slope-intercept form, , where is the slope and is the y-intercept.
Step 1: Identify the y-intercept ( ) and the slope ( ).
For the equation :
  • The y-intercept is . This means the line crosses the y-axis at the point .
  • The slope is . This can be written as , meaning for every 1 unit moved to the right (rise over run), the line moves 3 units up.
Step 2: Plot the y-intercept.
Plot the point on the graph.
Step 3: Use the slope to find a second point.
Starting from the y-intercept :
  • Move right 1 unit (run = 1) to .
  • Move up 3 units (rise = 3) to .
    This gives a second point .
We can find more points to ensure accuracy:
  • Starting from , move left 1 unit (run = -1) to .
  • Move down 3 units (rise = -3) to .
    This gives a third point .
  • Starting from , move left 2 units (run = -2) to .
  • Move down 6 units (rise = -6) to .
    This gives a fourth point .
Step 4: Graph the line.
Draw a straight line passing through the points , , and .
The graph of is a straight line passing through with a slope of 3.
The resulting graph should show a line connecting the points found above on the coordinate system provided.