If you are to graph the equation 1/2x - 2y = 4 don't you start off by switching the x and y and rearranging them on different sides in order to graph properly? like for example 2y - 1/2 = 4 ?

the proper way to switch them around is -2y + 1/2x = 4

and not really, there's no proper way to graph them. those two equations are exactly the same thing. if you are trying to graph by just plugging in x-values and finding a y-value, then it does not matter.

however, if you know what y = mx+b is, most people would move into y=mx+b form by following these simple steps:

multiply by sides by 2 so thatw we do not have to worry about denominator

2(1/2x - 2y) = 2(4)

x - 4y = 8

subtract x from both sides

-4y = -x + 8

divide both sides by   -4

y = (-x + 8) / -4 = 1/4x - 2 and we see immediately that -2 is the y-intercept and 1/4 is the slope.

what steps are you having us

step-by-step explanation:

5 feet of chain cost $9

so the answer is 1.80