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Graphing linear functions using table of values

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Graphing Using a Table of Values

To graph a linear function from a table of values, choose several x-values, substitute each into the equation to find its matching y-value, plot the resulting points, and connect them with a straight line. See a full worked example with y = x - 1.

Graphing from a table of values

To graph a linear function using a table of values, choose a few x-values, substitute each into the equation to find the matching y-value, plot the resulting points, and connect them with a straight line.

Worked example: y = x - 1

Choosing x = -1, 0, 1, 2, 3 and substituting into y = x - 1 gives y = -2, -1, 0, 1, 2. Each (x, y) pair becomes a point on the graph.

Graphing from a table of values: y = x - 1 A table lists x-values -1, 0, 1, 2, 3 with matching y-values -2, -1, 0, 1, 2 for y = x - 1. The five points are plotted on a coordinate grid and connected into a straight line. xy -1-20-1102132 x y
A table of values for y = x - 1, plotted and connected as a straight line.

Why this method works

Since every point satisfies the same equation, they all fall on the same line. Only two points are strictly needed to draw a line, but plotting a third confirms the line is correct. This table-based approach is one of several ways to graph — you can also use x- and y-intercepts, slope-intercept form, or a point and a slope.

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