How to Graph Linear Equations from Word Problems

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This video provides a clear, step-by-step tutorial on how to translate real-world word problems into linear graphs. Hosted by a narrator named Justin and accompanied by an animated robot character, the lesson bridges the gap between text-based math problems and visual graphical representations. It systematically breaks down four distinct scenarios, teaching students how to identify the slope (rate of change) and y-intercept (starting value) within the context of narrative descriptions. The video covers key algebraic concepts including positive and negative slopes, identifying implicit starting points (zero intercepts), and understanding x-intercepts through a "break-even" business example. By using varied contexts—a cell phone plan, a moving train, a plane taking off, and a laptop repair business—it demonstrates the versatility of linear functions in modeling everyday situations. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent instructional tool for Algebra I or Pre-Algebra units on linear functions. It specifically targets the skill of modeling with mathematics, helping students transition from abstract equations to concrete applications. The visual demonstration of plotting points based on rates and initial values reinforces the geometric interpretation of algebraic terms.