Identify Linear Functions: Examining y = mx + b Properties

Linear Functions with Algebraic Simplification

Which of the following describe linear functions?

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:04 Which of these fits the pattern of a linear function?
00:08 Let's rearrange this equation so it looks like a linear function.
00:16 Check it out! This matches the pattern. It's linear.
00:21 Open the parentheses carefully, multiply each term.
00:28 Now, let's gather similar terms together.
00:33 Compare with a linear function pattern.
00:38 Here, the slope is zero, and the Y-intercept is negative four.
00:43 So, this is definitely a linear function.
00:49 Oops, not linear! X is squared here.
00:53 Same here. X is raised to the power of three.
00:57 And there we have it! That's the solution.

Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

Which of the following describe linear functions?

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll examine each expression to see if it represents a linear function:

  • Option A: y=53x y = 5 - 3x .
    This expression fits the linear form y=mx+c y = mx + c with m=3 m = -3 and c=5 c = 5 . Hence, it is a linear function.
  • Option B: y=4(x+1)+4x y = -4(x+1) + 4x .
    First, expand the expression:
    4(x+1)=4x4-4(x+1) = -4x - 4.
    Substituting, we get y=4x4+4x y = -4x - 4 + 4x , which simplifies to y=4 y = -4 .
    This is a linear function where y=c y = c (a constant term with zero slope).
  • Option C: y=3x2+2 y = -3x^2 + 2 .
    The term 3x2-3x^2 indicates a quadratic expression, as the highest power of x x is 2. Therefore, it is not a linear function.
  • Option D: y=6+x3 y = 6 + x^3 .
    The term x3 x^3 shows a cubic expression since the highest power of x x is 3, thus not a linear function.

Clearly, only options A and B describe linear functions. Therefore, the correct answer is:

Answers A and B are correct.

3

Final Answer

Answers A and B are correct.

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Definition: Linear functions have form y=mx+b y = mx + b with degree 1
  • Technique: Simplify algebraic expressions like 4(x+1)+4x=4 -4(x+1) + 4x = -4
  • Check: Verify highest power of x is 1 or 0 for linear ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Assuming all expressions with x are linear
    Don't think every equation with x is linear = wrong classification! Terms like x2 x^2 or x3 x^3 make functions quadratic or cubic. Always check the highest power of x after simplifying.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Which statement best describes the graph below?

xy

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why is y=4 y = -4 considered linear?

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A constant function like y=4 y = -4 is linear because it can be written as y=0x+(4) y = 0x + (-4) . The slope is 0, making it a horizontal line!

How do I know if I simplified correctly?

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After expanding and combining like terms, check that all terms with the same variable cancel or combine properly. For example: 4x+4x=0x -4x + 4x = 0x .

What makes y=3x2+2 y = -3x^2 + 2 not linear?

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The term x2 x^2 has a degree of 2, not 1. Linear functions can only have x x to the first power (or x1 x^1 ).

Can a linear function have no x term?

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Yes! A function like y=5 y = 5 is linear because it's equivalent to y=0x+5 y = 0x + 5 . It's a horizontal line with slope 0.

What if there are parentheses in the expression?

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Always expand first! Use the distributive property to remove parentheses, then combine like terms. Only after simplifying can you determine if it's linear.

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