Linear Function

What is a linear function?

Linear Function is a function whose graph is a straight line. A linear function has the
following form f(x) = kx + m. A linear function has a dependent variable and an independent variable.
The dependent variable is y and the independent variable is x. The coefficient "m" is the
slope/growth/rate of change while the constant "b" is the y-intercept/starting value.
Plotting a linear function on a Cartesian Plane
Plot the function below on the cartesian plane.

y = 2x + 8

Method 1: Plotting Points

Step 1: Use a table to find the y - coordinates

Step 2:Substitute the x-coordinates into the graph

equation y = 2x + 8

Step 3: Plot the points on the graph

Plotting a linear function on a Cartesian Plane
Plot the function below on the cartesian plane.

y = -2x + 6

Method 2: Intercept method

Step 1: Calculate the y-intercept

Step 2:Calculate the x-intercept

Step 3: Plot the points on the

graph
Finding the gradient of the linear function

(rise)

(run)

Gradient = rise/run
Example 1:Using the gradient formula
Finding the equation of the linear formula
Practice on your own
Find the equation of the

Linear function.
Finding the equation of the line
Find the equation of the

Linear function.
Another Example
Find the equation of the

Linear function.
Finding the equation of a straight line
Determine the equation of the straight line which
passes through the points (-2,0) and (4,3)

Determine the equation of the straight line which passes

through the points (-5,6) and (1,-6)
Check for understanding
1. On the same set of axes plot the functions of:
a. y=3x-2
b. y=-3x-4

2. Find the equation of the graph that passes through the

points (-4,-2) and (4,4)
Practice on your own
y = -4x - 8 is a linear function.

a. Is the line rising or falling?

b. At point does the line intersect the y-axis?

c. At what point does the line intersect the x-axis?

Proving points lie on a graph
Do the points (3,4) and (5,2) lie on the graph of y=-x+7

Step 1:Substitute the points (3,4) into the graph

equation

Step 2: If the LHS = RHS then the points lie on

the graph

Do the points (2,-7) lie on the graph of y = -2x - 3

Practice work
Ett pg. 185 no. 4079 abcd

Två pg. 187 no. 4085

Tre pg. 187 no. 4087 abc, 4088 abc, 4089 ab, 4090

Fyra pg. 188 no.4092 abcd, 4093 abc, 4094, 4095 abc.