Distinguishing Linear and Nonlinear Functions

What defines a linear function?

• A variable rate of change

• A constant rate of change

• A graph with curves

• A graph with zigzags

How do you determine the rate of change from a table of values?

• Subtracting x values

• Dividing change in y by change in x

• Multiplying x values

• Adding y values

What is the rate of change in a linear function?

• Constant

• Decreasing

• Variable

• Increasing

How can you tell a function is linear from a table?

• The x values are squared

• The rate of change is constant

• All x values increase by the same amount

• All y values are positive

Which of the following is a characteristic of linear functions?

• Curved graph lines

• Straight line graph

• Exponent on 'x' is greater than 1

• Changing slope values

What indicates a function is non-linear on a graph?

• Uniform spacing between points

• A line with one slope

• A straight line

• A curve or zigzag

What does a non-linear function's graph look like?

• A continuous straight line

• A line that breaks into segments

• Parallel lines

• A curve or zigzag pattern

What exponent on 'x' indicates a linear equation?

• 0

• Any positive number

• 2

• 1

How do you identify a linear function from an equation?

• The exponent on 'x' is 1

• It has a variable exponent

• It includes a square root

• The equation includes a division

What makes a function non-linear in a table of values?

• Negative y values

• Y values are all even

• Different rates of change

• X values increase by 2