Subject Code Math 2 Intermediate Algebra

Module Code 1.0 Linear Equations in Two Variables (LETV)

Lesson Code 1.7.1 Graphing and Writing LETV Using the Intercept Form
Time Allocation 30 minutes

There are varied ways of graphing and writing linear equations in two variables. As
mentioned in the previous lessons, you learned graphing and writing linear equations in two variables
through slope - intercept form, point – slope form, and two – point form. In this lesson, you will
learn how to graph and write linear equations in two variables using the intercept form.

Look at the graph of the line, ᧐ᑄ , shown below.

As observed, the graph crosses the x – axis at (6, 0) and the y – axis at (0, 4).
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Intercepts of a Line
The x intercept is the point where the line crosses the x axis. At this point, y = 0. The y intercept is
the point where the line crosses the y axis. At this point, x = 0.
To determine the x – and y – intercepts of a linear equation, let us illustrate it in two ways:

Method 1: To determine the x – intercept of a linear equation, set y to 0 and solve for x. To get the
y – intercept, set x = 0 and solve for y.

Illustration 1: Determine the x – and y - intercepts of ᧐ ᑄ by using Method 1.

Solution. To find the x – intercept, let y = 0, then solve for x.
᧐ᑄ
᧐ᑄ ሺ Ͳ
᧐
᧐ h
To find the y – intercept, let x = 0, then solve for y.
᧐ᑄ
ሺ Ͳᑄ

h
Therefore, the line crosses the x – axis and the y- axis at (6, 0) and (0, 4), respectively.

Method 2: Aside from Method 1, the intercepts of a linear equation can also be determined using the
intercept form.

The Intercept Form

The intercept form of the equation of a line with intercepts t and t is
᧐
ᑄ , where t .

How do you derive the equation of a line in intercept form?

The intercept form is derived from the standard form of the equation of a line, ᧐ ᑄ ൅ , where A,
B & C are real numbers, and A & B are not both zero as shown in the succeeding discussion.

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 ᧐ᑄ൅ standard form
᧐ ൅
ᑄ divide both sides of the equation by C

᧐
ᑄ divide x & y by the reciprocal of their coefficients
൅

Let , and ൅
substitute the values

᧐
ᑄ intercept form

Hence, the intercept form is derived.

Another way of deriving the intercept form of the equation of the line is by
using the two – point form.

(Refer to Lesson 1.6.1 for the formula)

Let t and t be two points on the line. Using the two - point form, the equation of the
line would be:

᧐ substitute the two pints t and t

᧐ simplify

᧐ᑄ multiply both sides by and distribute

᧐ᑄ add both sides by ᧐

᧐
ᑄ divide both sides by

᧐
ᑄ intercept form

Illustration 2: Using the same equation, ᧐ ᑄ , determine the x – and y – intercepts using
the intercept form.
Solution: To find the x – and y – intercepts, the given equation will be written first into its intercept
form. The procedure is shown below.
᧐ᑄ standard form
᧐
ᑄ divide both sides by 12
᧐
h
ᑄh intercept form

This gives a value of h and h.

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Hence, the line crosses the x – axis and y- axis at (6, 0) and (0, 4), respectively.

Example 1. Determine the equation of the line, in standard form, with 8 and – 4 as its x – and y –
intercepts, respectively.
Solution: Using the intercept form of the equation of the line:
᧐
ᑄ
h
intercept form

᧐
ᑄ h
multiply both sides by 8 ( Least Common Denominator)

᧐ standard form

᧐
Example 2: Sketch the graph of the line h
ᑄ using the x – and the y – intercepts .

Solution: To change the equation into its intercept form:

᧐
h
ᑄ given, general form

᧐
h
ᑄ add 1/2 to both sides

᧐
h
ᑄ multiply 2 to both sides

᧐ h
ᑄ simplify

᧐
ᑄ intercept form
h

This gives and h

Hence, the line intersects the x – axis and the y- axis

at t and t
h
, respectively.

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Example 3: Write the equation of the line of the given graph in standard form.

Solution: As shown, the line crosses the x – axis and the y- axis at (3, 0) and (0, -4), respectively.
Using the intercept form of the line:

᧐
ᑄ h
intercept form

᧐
ᑄ h
multiply 12 to both sides

h᧐ standard form

Example 4. Use the intercept form to determine the equation of the line passing through the points
(2, -1) and (3, 0).
Solution: Using the intercept form:
᧐
ᑄ

Substitute the values of t ᧐ and to determine the value of b ( y – intercept):

This tells us that the line passes through the y – axis at (0, -3).

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Hence, the equation of the line is:
᧐
ᑄ intercept form
᧐
ᑄ multiply 3 to both sides

᧐ standard form

Example 5. Use the intercept form to determine the equation of the line passing through the points

(-3, 2) and (0, ).

Solution: Using the intercept form:

᧐
ᑄ

Substitute the values of t ᧐ and to determine the value of a ( x – intercept):

ᑄh

This tells us that the line passes through the x – axis at (1, 0).
Hence, the equation of the line is:

᧐
ᑄ intercept form

᧐ᑄ standard form

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 In this lesson, you have learned about finding the x – and y – intercepts of a given
line. You’ve also learned another method of graphing and writing linear equations through the
intercept form.

What are the things you have learned about graphing and writing linear equations using the intercept
form?
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_______________

What are the difficulties that you have encountered throughout the lesson?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
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_______________

How did you overcome those difficulties?

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
_______________

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References:

Albarico, J.M. (2013). THINK Framework. Based on Ramos, E.G. and N. Apolinario. (n.d.) Science
LINKS. Quezon City: Rex Bookstore Inc.

Alferez, M. S., Duro, M. A., & Tupaz, K. L. (2016). Linear Equations and Inequalities in Two
Variables. Advanced Algebra (97 – 98). Philippines: MSA Publishing House.

Gabriel, J. L., Mallari, M. G. (2017). Linear Equations in Two Variables. Mathematics for Grade 8
A Spiral Approach (57 – 73). Philippines: Educational Resources Corporation.

Lial, M. L., Hornsby, J., & McGinnis, T. (2012). Linear Equations in Two Variables. Beginning
Algebra (190 – 192). USA: Pearson Education, Inc.

PSHS System. (2020). Math 1 Chapter 1 Module Version 2 [PDF]. Philippines: PSHS System.

Sullivan, M. (2012). Graphs of Equations in Two Variables; Intercepts; Lines. Algebra &
Trigonometry (159 – 160; 174 – 175). USA: Pearson Education, Inc.

http://www.geogebra.org

~End~

Prepared by: Ronna Y. Magto Reviewed by: Richard B. Jumawan

Position: Special Science Teacher (SST) IV Position: Special Science Teacher (SST) V

Campus: PSHS - Central Mindanao Campus Campus: PSHS - Central Mindanao Campus

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