The Effects of Changing the Parameters of a Linear Equation

Created Feb. 7, 2024 by Donna Parrish

Class Challenge Problems

Please enter your name and that of your partner.  Using the beginning equation of y= x + 3, change one component of the equation - you may insert a coefficient for the y or the x or change the +3 to some other number. Use an online graphing calculator (Desmos.com) to plot both the beginning equation and the changed equation, observe and record the changes seen in the graph.. Type a challenge equation for your classmates to explore then open the Possible Answer Document and enter a description of what your fellow students should notice about the difference between the starting equation and the altered equation.

The beginning equation: y = x + 3

Partners NamesChanged equationWhat we changed
1.Jill Dough and Jack MoneyY = ½ x + 3Coefficient of the x to 1/2
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Class Challenge Problems Suggested Answers

Add more to the suggested answers as you notice other ideas. The answer column will get bigger to fit the text you enter.

Entry #What stayed the sameWhat changedOther observations
1.Both are lines. New equation still crosses the y axis at 3The new graph is not as steep as the original one.Both graphs cross the y axis at (0, 3)

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Class Challenge Problems Suggested Answers

Add more to the suggested answers as you notice other ideas. The answer column will get bigger to fit the text you enter.

Entry #What stayed the sameWhat changedOther observations
1.Both are linesNew equation still crosses the y axis at 3The new graph is not as steep as the original one.Both graphs cross the y axis at (0, 3)
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