1. To graph a linear equation in the form of y = mx + b, plot the y-intercept b on the y-axis, convert the slope m to a fraction if needed, then extend the line from the y-intercept using the rise over run of the slope. 2. The slope m represents the rise over the run and indicates the steepness and direction of the line, while the y-intercept b is the point where the line crosses the y-axis. 3. To graph the line, start at the y-intercept b, then continue extending the line using the fractional slope m by taking rises and runs to plot additional points and draw the line across the graph.