Solve Graphically

Pronunciation: /sɒlv ˈgræf.ɪ.kə.lɪ/ Explain

An equation can be solved graphically by graphing the equation on a graphing device, then reading the x-value of the equation where it crosses the y-axis. A graphical solution is not exact, but is an approximation. Typically one 'zooms in' on the x-intercept until the value can be read with sufficient accuracy.

Iteration	Graph	Description
1		This is the initial graph. We will be finding the solution of the equation between -1 and -2.
2		When we zoom in on the x-intercept, we can see that the root is between -1.7 and -1.8.
3		As we zoom in again, we can see that the root is between -1.73 and -1.74.
4		As we zoom in once more, the root is between -1.732 and -1.733. Since it is about 1/10 the way from -1.732 and -1.733, the value of the root is approximately -1.7321.
Example 1

References

1. McAdams, David E.. All Math Words Dictionary, solve graphically. 2nd Classroom edition 20150108-4799968. pg 168. Life is a Story Problem LLC. January 8, 2015. Buy the book

Cite this article as:

McAdams, David E. Solve Graphically. 12/21/2018. All Math Words Encyclopedia. Life is a Story Problem LLC. http://www.allmathwords.org/en/s/solvinggraphically.html.

Image Credits

• All images and manipulatives are by David McAdams unless otherwise stated. All images by David McAdams are Copyright © Life is a Story Problem LLC and are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Revision History

12/21/2018: Reviewed and corrected IPA pronunication. (McAdams, David E.)
12/10/2018: Removed broken links, updated license, implemented new markup. (McAdams, David E.)
2/6/2009: Initial version. (McAdams, David E.)