# Converting linear equations into graphs and visa versa

#### Edible

##### New member
More complicated forms of graphing aren't hard for me, but this one simple step trips me up.
I know that the simple equation for a linear graph with a slope of one is:
y=x
If my x intercept is -1 and my y intercept is 1 how would I express this in an equation? I've tried looking in places like Math professor but I don't know what year of learning this trinket of knowledge comes from.
Is there anyone who could help me find a page explaining this, or some examples of changing a graph into an expression?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

~Edit~

To clarify:
I understand the concept of it, I only need help expressing the actual thing. I can't figure out where the numbers go.
y=x is the equation.
x=-1
y=1
but the equation wouldn't be -1=1
would it be y=-x?

#### skeeter

##### Senior Member
If my x intercept is -1 and my y intercept is 1 how would I express this in an equation?
x-intercept is -1 ... the coordinates are (-1,0)
y-intercept is 1 ... the coordinates are (0,1)

slope is $$\displaystyle \L \frac{\Delta y}{\Delta x} = \frac{1 - 0}{0 - (-1)} = 1$$

slope is 1, y-intercept is 1 ... using y = mx+b, the slope-intercept form, y = x + 1

#### Edible

##### New member
So then... y(y intercept)=m(the number by which x is multiplied)x+ b (The x intercept? I don't know, I don't really understand what those letters represent, but I think I get it.
Thanks, I was afraid no one would help me and I would just get teased. ^___^