CollegeAlgebra_07_LinearFunctions_
CollegeAlgebra_07_LinearFunctions_
College Algebra
Linear Function
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏
where 𝑏 is the initial or starting value of the function (when input, 𝑥 = 0),
and 𝑚 is the constant rate of change, or slope of the function.
The y-intercept is at (0, 𝑏)
A linear function can be represented with an equation, words, a table and a
graph.
Linear Function
A linear function may be increasing, decreasing, or constant. The slope determines
if the function is an increasing linear function, a decreasing linear function,
or a constant function.
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 is an increasing function if m>0 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 is a decreasing function if m<0 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 is a constant function if m=0
Calculate Slope
where 𝑥@ and 𝑥> are input values, 𝑦@ and 𝑦> are output values
Point-Slope Form
𝑦 − 𝑦@ = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥@ )
Example: A line has a slope of 2 and passes through the point (4,1).
𝑦−1=2 𝑥−4
𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 7
Equation of a Line Using Two Points
Example: Write the equation of the line that passes through 0,1 and 3,2 .
;F G;H >G@ @
Solution: 𝑚 = = =
<F G<H IGJ I
@ @
𝑦−1= 𝑥 − 0 or 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 1
I I
Graphing a Function by Plotting Points
https://www.desmos.com/calculator/7ighwgcjyi
Graphing a Linear Function Using 𝑦-intercept and Slope
In the equation 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏
• 𝑏 is the 𝑦-intercept of the graph and indicates the point (0, 𝑏) at which the
graph crosses the 𝑦-axis.
• 𝑚 is the slope of the line and indicates the vertical displacement (rise) and
horizontal displacement (run) between each successive pair of points.
To find the 𝑥-intercept, set a function 𝑓(𝑥) equal to zero and solve for the
value of 𝑥. For example, consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 6
Set the function equal to 0 and solve for 𝑥.
0 = 3𝑥 − 6
6 = 3𝑥
𝑥=2
The graph of the function crosses the 𝑥-axis at the point (2, 0).
Horizontal Lines
A horizontal line indicates a constant
output, or 𝑦-value.
https://www.desmos.com/calculator/ygbmop3uyv
Absolute Value Function
The absolute value function can be defined as a piecewise function:
𝑥, 𝑥 ≥ 0
𝑓(𝑥) = b
−𝑥, 𝑥 < 0
The most significant feature of the absolute value graph is the corner point at
which the graph changes direction. This point is shown at the origin.
Intercepts of an Absolute Value Function
For the Formula for an Absolute Value Function, Find the Horizontal
Intercepts of its Graph
1. Isolate the absolute value term.
2. Use |𝐴| = 𝐵 to write 𝐴 = 𝐵 or −𝐴 = 𝐵, assuming 𝐵 > 0
3. Solve for 𝑥
Building Linear Models
Given a word problem that includes 2 pairs of input and output
values, use the linear function to solve the problem.
Topic: use
https://www.desmos.com/calculator/ruvzg6iy3o
Quick Review