Mathematical Statement Analysis: Evaluating Truth Values in Given Expressions

Slope Interpretation with Linear Functions

Which of the following is true?

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1

Understand the problem

Which of the following is true?

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Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll examine the statements related to the slope of a linear function and determine which are true:

  • A linear function is described mathematically by the equation y=mx+b y = mx + b , where m m is the slope and b b is the y-intercept.

  • The slope m m determines the direction of the line:

    • If m>0 m > 0 , the line is increasing as x x increases.

    • If m=0 m = 0 , the line is horizontal, meaning it is constant.

    • If m<0 m < 0 , the line is decreasing as x x increases.

Now, let's match these characteristics to the provided choices:

  • If the slope is positive, then the function is increasing.

    • This is true as per the description above; a positive slope means the function increases as x x increases.

  • If the slope is negative, then the function is constant.

    • This is incorrect; a negative slope results in a decreasing function.

  • If the slope is positive, then the function is decreasing.

    • This is incorrect; a positive slope corresponds to an increasing function.

  • If the slope is negative, then the function is increasing.

    • This is incorrect; a negative slope means the function is decreasing.

Therefore, the correct statement is that If the slope is positive, then the function is increasing.

3

Final Answer

If the slope is positive, then the function is increasing.

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Positive slope means function increases as x increases
  • Technique: For y=mx+b y = mx + b , sign of m determines direction
  • Check: Graph the line to verify: positive slope rises left-to-right ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing slope sign with function behavior
    Don't think negative slope means constant function = completely wrong behavior! A negative slope actually means the function decreases as x increases. Always remember: positive slope = increasing, negative slope = decreasing, zero slope = constant.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

For the function in front of you, the slope is?

XY

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How can I remember which slope direction means increasing or decreasing?

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Think of walking up or down a hill! A positive slope is like walking uphill (increasing height), while a negative slope is like walking downhill (decreasing height).

What happens when the slope is exactly zero?

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When m=0 m = 0 , you get a horizontal line like y=5 y = 5 . The function is constant - it stays the same value no matter what x is!

Can I tell if a function is increasing just by looking at the equation?

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Yes! In y=mx+b y = mx + b , just look at the coefficient of x. If it's positive, the function increases. If it's negative, the function decreases.

Why does a positive slope make the function increase?

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Because slope measures rise over run! When slope is positive, for every step right (positive x), you go up (positive y). This creates an increasing pattern.

What if the slope is a fraction like 1/2?

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Fractions work the same way! 12>0 \frac{1}{2} > 0 is still positive, so the function increases. It just increases more slowly than a slope of 2.

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