5-5 Nonlinear Functions

Front

What is a nonlinear function?

Back

A nonlinear function is a function that does not create a straight line when graphed. Its rate of change is not constant.

Front

How can you identify a nonlinear function from a graph?

Back

A nonlinear function can be identified by its curved shape or any shape that is not a straight line.

Front

What is a linear function?

Back

A linear function is a function that creates a straight line when graphed, and its rate of change is constant.

Front

What is the general form of a linear equation?

Back

The general form of a linear equation is y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.

Front

What does it mean if a function is represented by a table of values?

Back

If a function is represented by a table of values, you can determine if it is linear or nonlinear by checking if the differences between y-values are constant for equal changes in x-values.

Front

What is the difference between linear and nonlinear equations?

Back

Linear equations have a constant rate of change and graph as straight lines, while nonlinear equations have varying rates of change and graph as curves.

Front

Give an example of a nonlinear function equation.

Back

An example of a nonlinear function is y = x^2, which represents a parabola.

Front

What is the significance of the slope in a linear function?

Back

The slope indicates the steepness of the line and the direction of the relationship between the variables.

Front

How can you tell if a function is nonlinear from its equation?

Back

If the equation includes variables raised to a power other than one, or if it includes products of variables, it is nonlinear.

Front

What are some common shapes of nonlinear graphs?

Back

Common shapes of nonlinear graphs include parabolas, circles, and exponential curves.