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The table represents a linear function. find the values of a,b, and c. Show your work.

x a,3,5,7,c
y 7,8,9,b,11

I understand that x increases by 2 and y increases 1 but I do not know how to write the
function equation. Can someone help me?

1 Answer

5 votes

Answer:

The values of a , b , c are ⇒ a = 1 , b = 10 , c = 9

Explanation:

* Lets describe the meaning of the linear function

- Linear function is represented by a line graphically

- The equation of the line is y = mx + c, where m is the slope

of the line and c is the y-intercept (the point of intersection

between the line and the y-axis is (0 , c))

- m = change of y/change of x

- We can find m from any two points on the line

* Lets use m to find a, b and c

- Use the points (3 , 8) and (5 , 9) to find m

∵ m = (y2 - y1)/(x2 - x1)

∴ m = (9 - 8)/(5 - 3) = 1/2

- Find a by using points (a , 7) and (3 , 8) ⇒ (or (5 , 9))

∵ m = (8 - 7)/(3 - a) = 1/2

∴ 1/(3 - a) = 1/2 ⇒ by using cross multiplication

∴ 3 - a = 2 ⇒ subtract 3 from both sides

∴ -a = -1 ⇒ × -1 both sides

∴ a = 1

- Find b by using points (5 , 9) and (7 , b) ⇒ (or (3 , 8))

∵ m = (b - 9)/(7 - 5) = (b - 9)/2

∴ (b - 9)/2 = 1/2 ⇒ by using cross multiplication

∴ 2(b - 9) = 2 ⇒ open the bracket

∴ 2b - 18 = 2 ⇒ add 18 to both sides

∴ 2b = 20 ⇒ ÷ 2

∴ b = 10

- Find b by using points (5 , 9) and (c , 11) ⇒ (or (3 , 8))

∵ m = (11 - 9)/(c - 5) = 2/(c - 5)

∴ 2/(c - 5) = 1/2 ⇒ by using cross multiplication

∴ c - 5 = 4 ⇒ add 5 to both sides

∴ c = 9

* The values of a , b , c are ⇒ a = 1 , b = 10 , c = 9

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