Recognizing Various Representations of Linear Functions

Linear Functions with Standard Form Identification

What representations describe a linear function?

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:03 Which of these representations show a linear function?
00:07 Let's rewrite the function to see if it fits the linear form.
00:17 This pattern suggests the function is linear.
00:24 Here, the function has X squared, so it's not linear.
00:37 This one fits the pattern, so it's a linear function.
00:41 And that's how we find the solution to our question!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

What representations describe a linear function?

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we need to determine which representations describe a linear function by analyzing each given choice:

  • Choice 1: y=12x y = 1 - 2x
    - This is in the form y=mx+b y = mx + b , where m=2 m = -2 and b=1 b = 1 , making it a linear function.
  • Choice 2: y=2x2+x y = -2x^2 + x
    - The term x2 x^2 indicates a quadratic polynomial, which is not linear due to the power of 2 on x x .
  • Choice 3: y=x y = x
    - In the form y=mx+b y = mx + b , it is y=1x+0 y = 1x + 0 , with m=1 m = 1 and b=0 b = 0 , thus a linear function.
  • Choice 4: Asserts that both Choice 1 and Choice 3 are correct, which aligns with our analysis.

Based on this examination, choices forming linear functions are ones where the equation stays in the standard linear form y=mx+b y = mx + b with no additional exponents or variable products. Thus, the correct answer is:

Answers A + C are correct

3

Final Answer

Answers A + C are correct

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Definition: Linear functions follow y=mx+b y = mx + b form
  • Technique: Check highest power of x is 1 like y=2x+1 y = -2x + 1
  • Check: Quadratic terms like x2 x^2 make functions non-linear ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Thinking any equation with x is linear
    Don't assume y=2x2+x y = -2x^2 + x is linear = quadratic function! The x2 x^2 term makes it curved, not straight. Always check that x has no exponent greater than 1.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Look at the linear function represented in the diagram.

When is the function positive?

–8–8–8–7–7–7–6–6–6–5–5–5–4–4–4–3–3–3–2–2–2–1–1–1111222333444555666777888–5–5–5–4–4–4–3–3–3–2–2–2–1–1–1111222333000

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

What makes a function linear exactly?

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A linear function has a constant rate of change and graphs as a straight line. It must be in the form y=mx+b y = mx + b where x has no exponents other than 1.

Can linear functions have negative coefficients?

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Absolutely! Functions like y=12x y = 1 - 2x (which is y=2x+1 y = -2x + 1 ) are perfectly linear. The slope m can be any real number, positive or negative.

What about y = x? Is that really linear?

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Yes! y=x y = x is the same as y=1x+0 y = 1x + 0 , so m = 1 and b = 0. It's a linear function that passes through the origin with slope 1.

How do I spot quadratic functions quickly?

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Look for any squared terms like x2 x^2 . If you see x2 x^2 , 3x2 3x^2 , or 2x2 -2x^2 , it's quadratic, not linear!

Can I have fractions in linear functions?

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Of course! Functions like y=12x3 y = \frac{1}{2}x - 3 are still linear. The coefficients m and b can be any real numbers, including fractions and decimals.

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