Linear v. Nonlinear

Front

What is a linear function?

Back

A linear function is a function that graphs to a straight line. It can be expressed in the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.

Front

What is a nonlinear function?

Back

A nonlinear function is a function that does not graph to a straight line. Its graph can be a curve, a circle, or any other shape that is not a straight line.

Front

What is the slope in a linear equation?

Back

The slope (m) in a linear equation represents the rate of change of the dependent variable (y) with respect to the independent variable (x). It indicates how steep the line is.

Front

What does the y-intercept represent in a linear function?

Back

The y-intercept (b) is the point where the line crosses the y-axis. It represents the value of y when x is 0.

Front

Give an example of a linear equation.

Back

An example of a linear equation is y = 2x + 3.

Front

Give an example of a nonlinear equation.

Back

An example of a nonlinear equation is y = x^2 + 2.

Front

What is the difference between linear and nonlinear graphs?

Back

Linear graphs are straight lines, while nonlinear graphs can be curves or other shapes. Linear graphs have a constant rate of change, whereas nonlinear graphs do not.

Front

What is a quadratic function?

Back

A quadratic function is a type of nonlinear function that can be expressed in the form y = ax^2 + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants.

Front

What is a piecewise function?

Back

A piecewise function is a function that has different expressions or rules for different parts of its domain.

Front

What is a constant function?

Back

A constant function is a linear function where the slope is 0, meaning it does not change and graphs to a horizontal line.