Chapter 2: Section 4

Using Linear Models

By Aysiah Sarol
 Example Problem

A candle is 5 inches tall after burning for 1 hour. After 3

hours, it is 4 and inches tall. Write a linear equation to the
model the height y of the candle after burning x hours.
Step 1: Identify the data parts
(X, Y) =
X represents the # of hours
Y represents the height of the candle
(1, 5)
(3, 4 )
Step 2: Find the slope of the line
Formula: m= Y2 - Y over X2 - X1
1

5 - 4 over 3 -1
The answer would be 3/-2
 Step 3: Use one of the points and point slope form to write
an equation for the line.
Use the formula Y-Y1 = (m(x-x1)
1. Y - 5 = 3/-2 ( x-1)
2. Y - 5 = 3/-2 + 3/2
3. +5 +5
4. Y = 3/-2 + 10/3