Example

Graphing y=xy = -x Using Intercepts

To graph the linear equation y=xy = -x using the intercept method, setting either xx or yy to zero evaluates to the same intercept at the origin, (0,0)(0, 0). Because the intercepts do not provide distinct locations, two more points must be calculated. Choose an arbitrary value such as x=2x = 2, which gives y=(2)=2y = -(2) = -2, creating the ordered pair (2,2)(2, -2). Choosing another value like x=2x = -2 leads to y=(2)=2y = -(-2) = 2, forming the point (2,2)(-2, 2). Mark the three points (0,0)(0, 0), (2,2)(2, -2), and (2,2)(-2, 2) on a rectangular coordinate system and draw a straight line through them to represent the equation's graph.

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Updated 2026-04-23

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