Linear Function

A linear function is from the family of functions $Y=mx+b$ and represents a straight line.

$m$

We mark the slope of the function: positive or negative.

$m>0$ : upward sloping line

$m<0$  : downward sloping line

$m=0$ : a line parallel to the $X$ axis.

$b$

Marks the point where the function intersects the $Y$ axis.

Important points:

For every value of $X$, the function will return a value of $Y$.

The linear function is a straight line that is either ascending, descending, or parallel to the $X$ axis, but never parallel to the $Y$ axis.

Let's observe the line from left to right.

$Y=mx+b$ : standard representation

$Y=mx$ : (when $b=0$, the line cuts the $Y$ axis at the origin, when $Y=0$)

$Y=b$ (when $m=0$, the slope of the line is $0$ and therefore parallel to the $X$ axis)

Pay attention:

Sometimes, you'll find an equation that is not arranged and looks like this $mx-y=b$

This is also a linear function. Simply isolate $Y$ and see how it comes to the standard representation.

Sometimes, $X$ will be divided by some number $C$:

$Y=\frac{mx}{c}+b$

This equation also represents a linear function.

• When $X$ is raised to a power: $Y=X^2$
• When there is a square root for: $Y=\sqrt{X}​$
• When there is no $Y: X=b$

The linear function will appear as a straight line that is ascending, descending, or parallel to the $X$ axis but never parallel to the $Y$ axis.

For each value of $X$, we will obtain only one value of $Y$ and vice versa.

We observe the line from left to right to see whether it ascends or descends.

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The concept of slope in the function $y=mx$

$M$ represents the slope of the function for us and determines whether the straight line goes up, goes down, or is parallel to the $X$ axis.

The linear function $y=mx+b$

The linear function represents a straight line where $M$ represents the slope and $b$ represents the y-intercept of the line with the $Y$ axis.

We can find the equation of a straight line in 5 ways:

• Using slope and a point
• With the help of 2 points the line passes through.
• Using parallel lines.
• With the help of perpendicular lines.
• With the help of a graph.

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The function is positive when it is above the $X$ axis when $Y>0$

Find the values of $X$ for which the function takes on positive Y values.

The function is negative when it is below the $X$ axis as $Y>0$

Find the values of $X$ for which the function takes on negative $Y$ values.

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A linear function describes the relationship between $X$ and $Y$.

Therefore, we can represent different phenomena with the help of a linear function.

We will understand what graph represents each situation and draw the correct conclusions.

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We can solve inequalities between linear functions in two ways:

Using the given equations and with the help of graphical representations.

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Given the function: $y = 2x + 1$

We are asked to graph it on the coordinate system.

As we have discussed, to do this we need two points, which we will place in the function's expression. Choose any two points we like, it doesn't matter.

Now we will plot the two points on the coordinate system and connect them. This is actually a graph of the function for $y=2x+1$.