Linear Equations and Functions

Linear equations are equations whose terms (the parts separated by

plus, minus, and equal signs) are a constant, or a constant times one
variable to the first power.
E.g., 2x – 3y = 7

General form of a linear equation is: Ax + By = C, where A, B, and C

are constants with A, and B both not equal to zero.

Other form of linear equations can be: y = ½ x + 3 and ⅓ x + ½ y = 1

But, 2x + 3xy = 7 is not linear equation because 3xy is constant times

the product of two variables.
Also, x2 + y + 3x = 16 is not a linear because of the presence of the
second power.
 Linear Equations and Functions

Linear Equations arise frequently in applied situation

Example: Taxi fare from an airport to a nearby city is $1.25 per mile driven,
plus $0.75 for a bridge toll. Fare for 22 miles?

Fair = 1.25 (22) + 0.75 = $28.25

Let y represent the fare and x represent the number of miles driven on one
trip, then the linear equation is : y = 1.25x + 0.75

Example: Taxi fare from an airport to a nearby city is $0.8 per mile driven,
plus $2 for toll. Find the fare when the distance is 17 miles?

y = 0.80x + 2
 Linear Equations and Functions

Graph of a straight line

y = 1.25x + 0.75
When x = 1, y = 2; x = 5, y = 7

Two points: (x, y); (1, 2) and (5, 7)

For y = 0.80x + 2, two points are (0, 2) and (5, 6)

 Linear Equations and Functions

Linear functions
y = f(x) i.e., y equals f of x or y is a function of x.

Function means relationship between two or more variables. Y is a

function of x means a relationship expressing a unique value of y
for each value of x.

Finally, the linear functions have the form y = mx + c , where x is

called independent variable; y is called dependent variable , and m
and c are constants.

For graph, independent variable is plotted on the horizontal axis

and dependent variable is plotted on the vertical axis.
 Linear Equations and Functions

Slope

The steepness of a line is called slope. It is the rate of change of

dependent variable with respect to a small (or, unit) change in the
independent variable.

It is calculated as:
Slope = Vertical Change (rise)/ Horizontal Change (run).

Slope is denoted by, normally, m.

Slope of the line passing through two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is:
m = (y2 - y1 )/( x2 - x1)
 Linear Equations and Functions

Slope of the line joining point (2.5, -7) and (7.5, -3)?

All horizontal line segments have a slope of zero.

We know, m = (y2 - y1 )/( x2 - x1)

= 0 / ( x2 - x1)
=0
 Linear Equations and Functions

All vertical line segments have infinitive or undefined slope.

We know, m = (y2 - y1 )/( x2 - x1)

= (y2 - y1 ) / 0
= infinitive, or undefined

Which of the following segments is horizontal and which is vertical?

a) The segment joining (4, -6) and (10, -6)
b) The segment joining (4, -6) and (4, 10)
 Linear Equations and Functions

Marginal Propensity to Consume (MPC)

MPC
= Change in consumption expenditure/ Change in disposable income

(Disposable income, Consumption expenditure) =(312, 295); (575,

537)

MPC = (537 – 295)/(575 – 312) = 242/263 = 0.92

 Linear Equations and Functions

Marginal Propensity to Save (MPS)

MPS = 1 – MPC = 1 – 0.92 = 0.08

Interpretation of Both
 Linear Equations and Functions

If x represent sales and y represents selling expenses. Suppose last

month’s figures were (14, 10) and this month’s are (30, 22). How
much did sales increase? How much did selling expence increase?
Make a graph showing the points and labeling the increase.
 Linear Equations and Functions

Equation of a line: Slope intercept form:

y = 1.25x + 0.75
Y = m x + c, where m = (y2 - y1 )/( x2 - x1)

Marginal cost = cost of producing extra one unit

 Linear Equations and Functions

It costs $2,500 to set up the presses and machinery needed to print

and bind a paper back book. After setup, it costs $2 per book
printed and bound. Let x represents the number of books made and
y represents the total cost of making this number of books. Write
the equation for y in terms of x. State the slope of the line ,
interpret. State the y-intercept, interpret.
 Linear Equations and Functions

Straight line Equation: Given a point and slope

We know, Slope intercept form: Y = m x + c

Find the equation of the line with slope 0.75 and that passes
though the point (8, 10).
 Linear Equations and Functions

Straight line equation from (passing through) two points:

y - y1 = m( x - x1) , where m = (y2 - y1 )/( x2 - x1)

Another way to directly write down the equation is :

(y – y1 ) / (y1 – y2 ) = ( x – x1)/( x1 – x2)
 Linear Equations and Functions

The total cost, y, of producing x units is a linear function. On one

occasion 100 units were made at a total cost of $200, and on
another occasion, 150 units were made at a total cost of $275.
Write the linear equation for total cost in terms of the number
of units produced. What is the total cost if 250 units are made?
 Linear Equations and Functions

Horizontal and Vertical Line

Horizontal line, Y = constant

Vertical line, X= constant

Parallel and Perpendicular lines

Lines that have the same slope are parallel.

y = 2x + 5; y = 2x + 2

Perpendicular lines have slopes which are negative reciprocal of

each other.