9.5 STAAR Review Linear Key Features

Front

What is the rate of change in a linear function?

Back

The rate of change in a linear function is the slope, which represents how much the dependent variable (y) changes for a unit change in the independent variable (x).

Front

How do you find the slope from a linear equation in the form y = mx + b?

Back

The slope (m) is the coefficient of x in the equation. It indicates the steepness and direction of the line.

Front

What does a positive slope indicate about a linear function?

Back

A positive slope indicates that as x increases, y also increases, meaning the function is increasing.

Front

What does a negative slope indicate about a linear function?

Back

A negative slope indicates that as x increases, y decreases, meaning the function is decreasing.

Front

What does a slope of zero indicate about a linear function?

Back

A slope of zero indicates that the function is constant; y does not change as x changes.

Front

What does an undefined slope indicate about a linear function?

Back

An undefined slope indicates a vertical line, where x remains constant regardless of y.

Front

How do you calculate the slope from two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2)?

Back

The slope (m) is calculated using the formula: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1).

Front

What is the slope of the line represented by the equation 5x + y = -10?

Back

The slope is -5, which can be found by rearranging the equation to slope-intercept form (y = mx + b).

Front

What is the meaning of the y-intercept in a linear function?

Back

The y-intercept is the value of y when x = 0; it represents where the line crosses the y-axis.

Front

How can you determine if a linear function is increasing or decreasing from its slope?

Back

If the slope is positive, the function is increasing; if the slope is negative, the function is decreasing.