Answer:
What is a linear function? A linear function is a function whose graph is a straight line. The rate of change of a linear function is constant. The function shown in the graph below, y = x + 2, is an example of a linear function.
Graph of linear function
Graph of linear function
A linear function has a constant rate of change. The rate of change is the slope of the linear function. In the linear function shown above, the rate of change is 1. For every increase of one in the independent variable, x, there is a corresponding increase of one in the dependent variable, y. This gives a slope of 1/1 = 1.
A linear function is typically given in the form y = mx + b, where m is equal to the slope, or constant rate of change.
Examples of linear functions include:
If a person drives at a constant speed, the relationship between the time spent driving (independent variable) and the distance traveled (dependent variable) will remain constant.
Assuming no change in price, the relationship between the number of pounds of bananas a person buys (independent variable) and the total cost of the bananas (dependent variable) will remain constant.
If a person earns an hourly wage at their job, the relationship between the time spent working (independent variable) and the amount earned (dependent variable) will remain constant.
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Exponential Functions
What is an exponential function? An exponential function is a function that involves exponents and whose graph is a smooth curve. The rate of change in an exponential function is not constant. The functions shown in the graph below, y = 0.5x and y = 2x, are examples of exponential functions.
Graphs of exponential functions
Graphs of exponential functions
An exponential function does not have a constant rate of change. The rate of change in an exponential function is the value of the independent variable, x. As the value of x increases or decreases, the rate of change increases or decreases as well. Rather than a constant change, as in the linear function, there is a percent change.
An exponential function is typically given in the form y = (1 + r)x, where r represents the percent change.
Examples of exponential functions include:
Explanation: