A linear equation produces a line graph. The equation takes the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y intercept. Excel cannot draw linear equations directly; in order to graph a linear equation in Excel, you must have a table of at least two values for the function already preformatted in two (X, Y) columns with column headers.
Excel 2007
Step 1
Highlight the data you want to graph by clicking at the top left of the data and dragging the mouse to the bottom right.
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Step 2
Click on the "Insert" tab.
Step 3
Select "Line graph" and choose "2-D Line." Excel will draw the graph for the linear equation based on the table of values you input.
Excel 2003
Step 1
Highlight the data you want to graph by clicking at the top left of the data and dragging the mouse to the bottom right.
Step 2
Click on the "Chart Wizard" in the toolbar.
Step 3
Choose "Line."
Step 4
Check the "Chart subtype" box and click "Next" three times to move through the rest of the chart wizard.
Step 5
Click on "Finish." Excel will graph your linear equation using the values from your table.