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Access this online resource for additional instruction and practice with linear function models.

Key concepts

  • We can use the same problem strategies that we would use for any type of function.
  • When modeling and solving a problem, identify the variables and look for key values, including the slope and y -intercept. See [link] .
  • Draw a diagram, where appropriate. See [link] and [link] .
  • Check for reasonableness of the answer.
  • Linear models may be built by identifying or calculating the slope and using the y -intercept.
    • The x -intercept may be found by setting y = 0 , which is setting the expression m x + b equal to 0.
    • The point of intersection of a system of linear equations is the point where the x - and y -values are the same. See [link] .
    • A graph of the system may be used to identify the points where one line falls below (or above) the other line.

Section exercises

Verbal

Explain how to find the input variable in a word problem that uses a linear function.

Determine the independent variable. This is the variable upon which the output depends.

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Explain how to find the output variable in a word problem that uses a linear function.

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Explain how to interpret the initial value in a word problem that uses a linear function.

To determine the initial value, find the output when the input is equal to zero.

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Explain how to determine the slope in a word problem that uses a linear function.

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Algebraic

Find the area of a parallelogram bounded by the y -axis, the line x = 3 , the line f ( x ) = 1 + 2 x , and the line parallel to f ( x ) passing through ( 2 , 7 ) .

6 square units

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Find the area of a triangle bounded by the x -axis, the line f ( x ) = 12 1 3 x , and the line perpendicular to f ( x ) that passes through the origin.

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Find the area of a triangle bounded by the y -axis, the line f ( x ) = 9 6 7 x , and the line perpendicular to f ( x ) that passes through the origin.

20.01 square units

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Find the area of a parallelogram bounded by the x -axis, the line g ( x ) = 2 , the line f ( x ) = 3 x , and the line parallel to f ( x ) passing through ( 6 , 1 ) .

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For the following exercises, consider this scenario: A town’s population has been decreasing at a constant rate. In 2010 the population was 5,900. By 2012 the population had dropped 4,700. Assume this trend continues.

Predict the population in 2016.

2,300

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Identify the year in which the population will reach 0.

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For the following exercises, consider this scenario: A town’s population has been increased at a constant rate. In 2010 the population was 46,020. By 2012 the population had increased to 52,070. Assume this trend continues.

Predict the population in 2016.

64,170

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Identify the year in which the population will reach 75,000.

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For the following exercises, consider this scenario: A town has an initial population of 75,000. It grows at a constant rate of 2,500 per year for 5 years.

Find the linear function that models the town’s population P as a function of the year, t , where t is the number of years since the model began.

P ( t ) = 75 , 000 + 2500 t

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Find a reasonable domain and range for the function P .

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If the function P is graphed, find and interpret the x - and y -intercepts.

(–30, 0) Thirty years before the start of this model, the town had no citizens. (0, 75,000) Initially, the town had a population of 75,000.

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Questions & Answers

how does the planets on our solar system orbit
cheten Reply
how many Messier objects are there in space
satish Reply
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Richard Reply
what are astronomy
Issan Reply
Astronomy (from Ancient Greek ἀστρονομία (astronomía) 'science that studies the laws of the stars') is a natural science that studies celestial objects and phenomena. It uses mathematics, physics, and chemistry in order to explain their origin and evolution.
Rafael
vjuvu
Elgoog
what is big bang theory?
Rosemary
what type of activity astronomer do?
Rosemary
No
Richard
the big bang theory is a theory which states that all matter was compressed together in one place the matter got so unstable it exploded releasing All its contents in the form of hydrogen
Roaul
I want to be an astronomer. That's my dream
Astrit
Who named the the whole galaxy?
Shola Reply
solar Univers
GPOWER
what is space
Richard
what is the dark matter
Richard
what are the factors upon which the atmosphere is stratified
Nicholas Reply
is the big bang the sun
Folakemi Reply
no
Sokak
bigbang is the beginning of the universe
Sokak
but thats just a theory
Sokak
nothing will happen, don't worry brother.
Vansh
what does comet means
GANGAIN Reply
these are Rocky substances between mars and jupiter
GANGAIN
Comets are cosmic snowballs of frozen gases , rock and dust that orbit the sun. They are mostly found between the orbits of Venus and Mercury.
Aarya
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John
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John
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John
r u there
John
hey can anyone guide me abt international astronomy olympiad
sahil
how can we learn right and true ?
Govinda Reply
why the moon is always appear in an elliptical shape
Gatjuol Reply
Because when astroid hit the Earth then a piece of elliptical shape of the earth was separated which is now called moon.
Hemen
what's see level?
lidiya Reply
Did you mean eye sight or sea level
Minal
oh sorry it's sea level
lidiya
according to the theory of astronomers why the moon is always appear in an elliptical orbit?
Gatjuol
hi !!! I am new in astronomy.... I have so many questions in mind .... all of scientists of the word they just give opinion only. but they never think true or false ... i respect all of them... I believes whole universe depending on true ...থিউরি
Govinda
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Jackson
hi
Elyana
we're all stars and galaxies a part of sun. how can science prove thx with respect old ancient times picture or books..or anything with respect to present time .but we r a part of that universe
w astronomy and cosmology!
Michele
another theory of universe except big ban
Albash Reply
how was universe born
Asmit Reply
there many theory to born universe but what is the reality of big bang theory to born universe
Asmit
what is the exact value of π?
Nagalakshmi
by big bang
universal
there are many theories regarding this it's on you believe any theory that you think is true ex. eternal inflation theory, oscillation model theory, multiple universe theory the big bang theory etc.
Aarya
I think after Big Bang!
Michele
from where on earth could u observe all the stars during the during the course of an year
Karuna Reply
I think it couldn't possible on earth
Nagalakshmi
in this time i don't Know
Michele
is that so. the question was in the end of this chapter
Karuna
in theory, you could see them all from the equator (though over the course of a year, not at pne time). stars are measured in "declination", which is how far N or S of the equator (90* to -90*). Polaris is the North star, and is ALMOST 90* (+89*). So it would just barely creep over the horizon.
Christopher
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Source:  OpenStax, College algebra. OpenStax CNX. Feb 06, 2015 Download for free at https://legacy.cnx.org/content/col11759/1.3
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