For any graphable equation, the software first manipulates it into its standard form before graphing; for a linear equation, that form is "y=mx+b" where the slope "m" may then be determined by inspecting the equation (for example, in the equation "y=-2x+4" "-2" is the correct value for "m"). For a parabolic equation, the standard form is y = a(x - h)^2 + k, from which direction (polarity of "a") and axis of symmetry (value of "h"), etc. may be determined by inspection.

If specific equations are being sought (for example, "give two points, solve for the equation) then quite a few of those line equations are set up for desktop Algebrator's "wizards".