Example

Graphing x+3y=6-x + 3y = 6 Using Intercepts

To graph the equation x+3y=6-x + 3y = 6 using the intercept method:

Step 1 — Evaluate the intercepts. Substitute y=0y = 0 for the x-intercept: x+3(0)=6-x + 3(0) = 6, meaning x=6-x = 6 and x=6x = -6, giving the point (6,0)(-6, 0). Substitute x=0x = 0 for the y-intercept: (0)+3y=6-(0) + 3y = 6, meaning 3y=63y = 6 and y=2y = 2, yielding (0,2)(0, 2). Step 2 — Identify a third solution point. By assigning a value like x=3x = -3, the equation becomes (3)+3y=6-(-3) + 3y = 6, simplifying to 3+3y=63 + 3y = 6, giving 3y=33y = 3 and y=1y = 1. The third point is (3,1)(-3, 1). Step 3 — Plot the points. Mark the sets of coordinates (6,0)(-6, 0), (0,2)(0, 2), and (3,1)(-3, 1) on a coordinate grid, assuring their linear arrangement. Step 4 — Draw the line. Construct a straight line passing perfectly through all three defined locations.

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Updated 2026-04-23

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