Linear and Nonlinear Functions

Front

What is a linear function?

Back

A linear function is a function that can be graphically represented as a straight line. It has 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 form a straight line when graphed. Its rate of change is not constant.

Front

What is the slope of a line?

Back

The slope of a line is a measure of its steepness, calculated as the change in y divided by the change in x (rise/run).

Front

What is the y-intercept?

Back

The y-intercept is the point where a line crosses the y-axis, represented by the value of y when x = 0.

Front

How can you identify a function from a graph?

Back

A graph represents a function if every vertical line intersects the graph at most once (Vertical Line Test).

Front

What does it mean for a function to be increasing?

Back

A function is increasing if, as x increases, the value of f(x) also increases.

Front

What does it mean for a function to be decreasing?

Back

A function is decreasing if, as x increases, the value of f(x) decreases.

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 the difference between a linear equation and a nonlinear equation?

Back

A linear equation has a constant rate of change and can be represented as a straight line, while a nonlinear equation does not have a constant rate of change and is represented by a curve.

Front

What is a table of values?

Back

A table of values is a way to organize pairs of input (x) and output (y) values for a function.