With sufficient tactile and mathematical skills, the braille reader can solve equations using tactile graphs. A tactile image reading professional will play a key role in the development of these skills.
To solve an equation graphically, you make graphs of the expressions on each side of the equal sign. The x-values of the intersection point(s) will correspond to the solution(s) of the equation.
Example
We consider the equation x + 1 = ‐2x + 4. To solve this graphically, we consider the two functions y = x + 1 and y = ‐2x + 4 and follow these steps:
- Draw the graph of each function in the same coordinate system.
- Examine whether the graphs intersect, are parallel or are on the same line. If they have at least one point of intersection, the initial equation will have solution(s).
- Identify the x-value(s) of the intersection point(s).
Our two graphs intersect in the point (1; 2). This means the equation has the solution x = 1.
It is important to note that braille readers must use tactile graphs, which is challenging and requires practice. For more information on coordinate systems and graphs, see the corresponding instructional guide for tactile image reading professionals.