Comparing Functions

Front

What is a linear function?

Back

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

Front

What is a nonlinear function?

Back

A nonlinear function is a function that does not create a straight line when graphed and has a variable rate of change.

Front

How do you determine the rate of change in a function?

Back

The rate of change is determined by the ratio of the change in the y-values to the change in the x-values (rise over run).

Front

What is the y-intercept of a function?

Back

The y-intercept is the point where the graph of the function crosses the y-axis, represented as (0, y).

Front

What does it mean if two functions have the same rate of change?

Back

If two functions have the same rate of change, they are parallel lines and will never intersect.

Front

How can you identify a linear function from a table of values?

Back

A linear function will have a constant difference in the y-values for equal intervals in the x-values.

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 between two points on the line.

Front

What is the formula for calculating the slope between two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2)?

Back

The formula for slope (m) is m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1).

Front

What does a positive slope indicate about a function?

Back

A positive slope indicates that as the x-values increase, the y-values also increase.

Front

What does a negative slope indicate about a function?

Back

A negative slope indicates that as the x-values increase, the y-values decrease.