Identifying Linear Functions

Front

What is a linear function?

Back

A linear function is a function that can be graphically represented as a straight line. It has the form f(x) = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.

Front

What is a nonlinear function?

Back

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

Front

How can you identify a linear function from its graph?

Back

A linear function will have a constant slope and will graph as a straight line.

Front

What is the slope of a line?

Back

The slope of a line is a measure of its steepness, calculated as the rise over run (change in y over change in x).

Front

What does the y-intercept represent in a linear function?

Back

The y-intercept is the point where the line crosses the y-axis, representing the value of the function when x = 0.

Front

What is the difference between a function and a non-function?

Back

A function assigns exactly one output for each input, while a non-function may assign multiple outputs for a single input.

Front

What is the vertical line test?

Back

The vertical line test is a method to determine if a graph represents a function. If a vertical line intersects the graph at more than one point, it is not a function.

Front

What is an example of a linear function?

Back

An example of a linear function is f(x) = 2x + 3.

Front

What is an example of a nonlinear function?

Back

An example of a nonlinear function is f(x) = x^2.

Front

What does it mean for a function to be increasing?

Back

A function is increasing if, as x increases, the value of f(x) also increases.