linear function
f(x) = ax + b
A linear function, also known as a linear equation or a line, is a type of mathematical function that describes a straight line relationship between two variables. It follows the form:
f(x) = mx + b
In this equation, f(x) represents the output or dependent variable, x represents the input or independent variable, m is the slope of the line, and b is the y-intercept.
The slope (m) determines how steep the line is. If the slope is positive, the line rises as x increases. If the slope is negative, the line falls as x increases. The value of the slope indicates the amount of change in the output variable for a unit change in the input variable.
The y-intercept (b) is the point where the line intersects the y-axis. It represents the value of the output variable when the input variable is zero.
Linear functions have a constant rate of change, which means that the difference in the y-values (output) divided by the difference in the x-values (input) stays the same throughout the line. This helps in drawing the line or predicting values given certain inputs.
Linear functions are used in various fields such as physics, economics, engineering, and statistics to model relationships between variables that have a constant rate of change. They are also fundamental in algebraic concepts, such as solving equations and finding the intersection of lines.
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