Question

how do you graph 8(3)x

Answer 1

y=mx+b

where m = slope
b = where the linear function intercepts (crosses) the y-axis on your graph

Your slope here is 24. For how you calculator or computer does it, it makes a input (x-variable) and calculates an output (y-variable). This is done internally with a really fast table.

quick tutorial:
http://www.math.com/school/subject2/lessons/S2U4L3GL.html