Linear vs Nonlinear Practice

Front

What is a linear function?

Back

A linear function is a function that graphs to a straight line. It can be expressed in the form y = 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 graph to a straight line. Its graph can be curved or have multiple shapes.

Front

How can you identify a linear function from a graph?

Back

A linear function can be identified by its straight line graph, which has a constant slope.

Front

What does the slope of a linear function represent?

Back

The slope of a linear function represents the rate of change of the function; it indicates how much y changes for a unit change in x.

Front

What is the y-intercept in a linear equation?

Back

The y-intercept is the point where the line crosses the y-axis, represented by the value of b in the equation y = mx + b.

Front

What is the difference between linear and nonlinear equations?

Back

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

Front

Can a linear function have a negative slope?

Back

Yes, a linear function can have a negative slope, which means the line decreases as it moves from left to right.

Front

What is an example of a linear equation?

Back

An example of a linear equation is y = 2x + 3.

Front

What is an example of a nonlinear equation?

Back

An example of a nonlinear equation is y = x^2.

Front

How do you determine if a table of values represents a linear function?

Back

If the differences between consecutive y-values are constant for equal differences in x-values, the table represents a linear function.