Linear Functions and Their Graphs

1/18/2021 Linear Functions and Their Graphs
Previous Sec on Table of Contents Next Sec on
2.2 Linear Func ons and Their Graphs
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Graph a line by plo ng points.

2. Determine the slope of a line.
3. Iden fy and graph a linear func on using the slope and y-intercept.
4. Interpret solu ons to linear equa ons and inequali es graphically.
A Review of Graphing Lines
Recall that the set of all solutions to a linear equation can be represented on a rectangular coordinate
plane using a straight line through at least two points; this line is called its graph. For example, to
graph the linear equation 8x + 4y = 12 we would first solve for y.
8x + 4y = 12 S ubtract 8x on both sides.
4y = −8x + 12 Divide both sides by 4.
−8x+12
y= S implif y.
4
−8x 12
y= +
4 4
y = −2x + 3
Written in this form, we can see that y depends on x; in other words, x is the independent variable
and y is the dependent variable. Choose at least two x-values and find the corresponding y-values.
It is a good practice to choose zero, some negative numbers, as well as some positive numbers. Here
we will choose five x values, determine the corresponding y-values, and then form a representative set
of ordered pair solutions.
x y y = −2x + 3 Solutions
https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_intermediate-algebra/s05-02-linear-functions-and-their-gra.html 1/34
x y y = −2x + 3 Solutions
−2 7 y = −2 (−2) + 3 = 4 + 3 = 7 (−2, 7)
−1 5 y = −2 (−1) + 3 = 2 + 3 = 5 (−1, 5)
0 3 y = −2 (0) + 3 = 0 + 3 = 3 (0, 3)
4 −5 y = −2 (4) + 3 = −8 + 3 = −5 (4, −5)
6 −9 y = −2 (6) + 3 = −12 + 3 = −9 (6, −9)
Plot the points and draw a line through the points with a straightedge. Be sure to add arrows on either
end to indicate that the graph extends indefinitely.
The resulting line represents all solutions to 8x + 4y = 12, of which there are infinitely many. The
above process describes the technique for graphing known as plotting points. This technique will be
used to graph more complicated functions as we progress in this course.
The steepness of any incline can be measured as the ratio of the vertical change to the horizontal
change. For example, a 5% incline can be written as 5
100
, which means that for every 100 feet forward,
the height increases 5 feet.
In mathematics, we call the incline of a line the slope, denoted by the letter m. The vertical change is
called the rise and the horizontal change is called the run. Given any two points (x 1, y 1 ) and
(x2 , y 2 ) , we can obtain the rise and run by subtracting the corresponding coordinates.
This leads us to the slope formula. Given any two points (x 1, y 1 ) and (x 2, y 2 ) , the slope is given
by:
rise y2 − y1 Δy ← C hange in y

S lope m = = =
run x2 − x1 Δx ← C hange in x
The Greek letter delta (Δ) is often used to describe the change in a quantity. Therefore, the slope is
Δy
sometimes described using the notation Δx
, which represents the change in y divided by the change
in x.
Example 1
Find the slope of the line passing through (−3, −5) and (2, 1).
Solution:
Given (−3, −5) and (2, 1), calculate the difference of the y-values divided by the difference of the
x-values. Take care to be consistent when subtracting the coordinates:
(x1 , y 1 ) (x2 , y 2 )
(−3, −5) (2, 1)
y −y
2 1
m=
x2 −x1
1−(−5)
=
2−(−3)
1+5
=
2+3
6
=
5
It does not matter which point you consider to be the first and second. However, because
subtraction is not commutative, you must take care to subtract the coordinates of the first point
from the coordinates of the second point in the same order. For example, we obtain the same
result if we apply the slope formula with the points switched:
(x1 , y 1 ) (x2 , y 2 )
(2, 1) (−3, −5)
y2 −y1
m=
x2 −x1
−5−1
=
−3−2
−6
=
−5
6
=
5
Answer: m = 6
Verify that the slope is 6
5
by graphing the line described in the previous example.
Certainly the graph is optional; the beauty of the slope formula is that, given any two points, we can
obtain the slope using only algebra.
Example 2
Find the y-value for which the slope of the line passing through (6, −3) and (−9, y) is − 2
3
.
Solution:
Substitute the given information into the slope formula.
S lope (x1 , y 1 ) (x2 , y 2 )
2
m = − (6, −3) (−9, y)
3
y −y
2 1
m=
x2 −x1
y−(−3)
2
− =
3 −9−6
2 y+3
− =
3 −15
After substituting in the given information, the only variable left is y. Solve.
2 y+3
−15 (− ) = −15 (− )
3 15
10 = y + 3
7=y
Answer: y = 7
There are four geometric cases for the value of the slope.
Reading the graph from left to right, lines with an upward incline have positive slopes and lines with a
downward incline have negative slopes. The other two cases involve horizontal and vertical lines.
Recall that if k is a real number we have
y = k H orizontal Line
x = k V ertical Line
For example, if we graph y = 2 we obtain a horizontal line, and if we graph x = −4 we obtain a

vertical line.
From the graphs we can determine two points and calculate the slope using the slope formula.
Horizontal Line Vertical Line
(x1 , y1 ) (x2 , y2 ) (x1 , y1 ) (x2 , y2 )
(−3, 2) (3, 2) (−4, −1) (−4, 1)
y2 −y1 y2 −y1
m= m=
x 2 −x 1 x 2 −x 1
2−(2) 1−(−1)
= =
3−(−3) −4−(−4)
2−2 1+1
= =
3+3 −4+4
0 2
= = 0 = U ndef ined
6 0
Notice that the points on the horizontal line share the same y-values. Therefore, the rise is zero and
hence the slope is zero. The points on the vertical line share the same x-values. Consequently, the run
is zero, leading to an undefined slope. In general,
Linear Func ons
Given any linear equation in standard form, ax + by = c , we can solve for y to obtain slope-
intercept form, y = mx + b. For example,
3x − 4y = 8 ← S tandard F orm
−4y = −3x + 8
−3x+8
y=
−4
−3x 8
y= +
−4 −4
3
y= x − 2 ← S lope-I ntercept F orm
4
Where x = 0, we can see that y = −2 and thus (0, −2) is an ordered pair solution. This is the point
where the graph intersects the y-axis and is called the y-intercept. We can use this point and the
slope as a means to quickly graph a line. For example, to graph y = 3
4
x − 2 , start at the y-intercept
(0, −2) and mark off the slope to find a second point. Then use these points to graph the line as
follows:
The vertical line test indicates that this graph represents a function. Furthermore, the domain and
range consists of all real numbers.
In general, a linear function is a function that can be written in the form
f (x) = mx + b Linear F unction
where the slope m and b represent any real numbers. Because y = f (x), we can use y and f (x)
interchangeably, and ordered pair solutions on the graph (x, y) can be written in the form (x, f (x)) .
(x, y) ⇔ (x, f (x))
We know that any y-intercept will have an x-value equal to zero. Therefore, the y-intercept can be
expressed as the ordered pair (0, f (0)) . For linear functions,
f (0) = m (0) + b
=b
Hence, the y-intercept of any linear function is (0, b) . To find the x-intercept, the point where the
function intersects the x-axis, we find x where y = 0 or f (x) = 0.
Example 3
Graph the linear function f (x) = − 5
3
x + 6 and label the x-intercept.
Solution:
From the function, we see that f (0) = 6 (or b = 6) and thus the y-intercept is (0, 6). Also, we can
−5
see that the slope m = − 5
3
=
3
=
rise
run
. Starting from the y-intercept, mark a second point
down 5 units and right 3 units. Draw the line passing through these two points with a
straightedge.
To determine the x-intercept, find the x-value where the function is equal to zero. In other words,
determine x where f (x) = 0.
5
f (x) = − x + 6
3
5
0=− x + 6
3
5
x=6
3
3 5 3
( ) x=( )6
5 3 5
18 3
x= = 3
5 5
Therefore, the x-intercept is ( 18
5
, 0) . The general rule is to label all important points that cannot
be clearly read from the graph.
Answer:
Example 4
Determine a linear function that defines the given graph and find the x-intercept.
Solution:
We begin by reading the slope from the graph. In this case, two points are given and we can see
that,
rise −2
m = =
run 3
In addition, the y-intercept is (0, 3) and thus b = 3. We can substitute into the equation for any
linear function.
g (x) = mx + b
⏐ ⏐
↓ ↓
2
g (x) = − x +3
3
To find the x-intercept, we set g (x) = 0 and solve for x.
2
g (x) = − x + 3
3
2
0=− x + 3
3
2
x=3
3
3 2 3
( ) x=( )3
2 3 2
9 1
x= = 4
2 2
Answer: g (x) = − 2
3
x + 3 ; x-intercept: ( 9
2
, 0)
Next, consider horizontal and vertical lines. Use the vertical line test to see that any horizontal line
represents a function, and that a vertical line does not.
Given any horizontal line, the vertical line test shows that every x-value in the domain corresponds to
exactly one y-value in the range; it is a function. A vertical line, on the other hand, fails the vertical
line test; it is not a function. A vertical line represents a set of ordered pairs where all of the elements
in the domain are the same. This violates the requirement that functions must associate exactly one
element in the range to each element in the domain. We summarize as follows:
Horizontal Line Vertical Line
Equation: y = 2 x = −3
x-intercept: None (−3, 0)
y-intercept: (0, 2) None
Domain: (−∞, ∞) {−3}
Range: {2} (−∞, ∞)
Function: Yes No
A horizontal line is often called a constant function. Given any real number c,
f (x) = c C onstant F unction
Example 5
Graph the constant function g (x) = −2 and state the domain and range.
Solution:
Here we are given a constant function that is equivalent to y = −2. This defines a horizontal line
through (0, −2) .
Answer: Domain: R; range: {−2}
Try this! Graph f (x) = 3x − 2 and label the x-intercept.
Answer:
(click to see video)
Linear Equa ons and Inequali es: A Graphical Interpreta on
We can use the ideas in this section to develop a geometric understanding of what it means to solve
equations of the form f (x) = g (x) , where f and g are linear functions. Using algebra, we can solve
the linear equation 1
2
x + 1 = 3 as follows:
1
x + 1= 3
2
1
x= 2
2
1
(2) x = (2) 2
2
x= 4
The solution to this equation is x = 4. Geometrically, this is the x-value of the intersection of the two
graphs f (x) = 1
2
x + 1 and g (x) = 3. The idea is to graph the linear functions on either side of the
equation and determine where the graphs coincide.
Example 6
Graph f (x) = 1
2
x + 1 and g (x) = 3 on the same set of axes and determine where
f (x) = g (x) .
Solution:
Here f is a linear function with slope 1
2
and y-intercept (0,1). The function g is a constant
function and represents a horizontal line. Graph both of these functions on the same set of axes.
From the graph we can see that f (x) = g (x) where x = 4. In other words, 1
2
x + 1 = 3 where
x = 4.
Answer: x = 4
We can extend the geometric interpretation a bit further to solve inequalities. For example, we can
solve the linear inequality 1
2
x + 1 ≥ 3 , using algebra, as follows:
1
x + 1≥ 3
2
1
x≥ 2
2
1
(2) x ≥ (2) 2
2
x≥ 4
The solution set consists of all real numbers greater than or equal to 4. Geometrically, these are the x-
values for which the graph f (x) = 1
2
x + 1 lies above the graph of g (x) = 3.
Example 7
Graph f (x) = 1
2
x + 1 and g (x) = 3 on the same set of axes and determine where
f (x) ≥ g (x) .
Solution:
On the graph we can see this shaded.
From the graph we can see that f (x) ≥ g (x) or 1
2
x + 1 ≥ 3 where x ≥ 4.
Answer: The x-values that solve the inequality, in interval notation, are [4, ∞) .
K E Y TA K E AWAY S
We can graph lines by plo ng points. Choose a few values for x, find the corresponding y-values,
and then plot the resul ng ordered pair solu ons. Draw a line through the points with a
straightedge to complete the graph.
Given any two points on a line, we can calculate the slope algebraically using the slope formula,
rise y −y Δy
2 1
m = = = .
run x2 −x1 Δx
Use slope-intercept form y = mx + b to quickly sketch the graph of a line. From the y-intercept
(0, b) , mark off the slope to determine a second point. Since two points determine a line, draw a
line through these two points with a straightedge to complete the graph.
Linear func ons have the form f (x) = mx + b , where the slope m and b are real numbers. To
find the x-intercept, if one exists, set f (x) = 0 and solve for x.
Since y = f (x) we can use y and f (x) interchangeably. Any point on the graph of a func on can
be expressed using func on nota on (x, f (x)) .
TO P I C E X E R C I S E S
PA R T A : G R A P H I N G L I N E S BY P L O T T I N G P O I N T S
Find five ordered pair solu ons and graph.
1. y = 3x − 6
2. y = 2x − 4
3. y = −5x + 15
4. y = −3x + 18
5. y = 1
2
x+8
6. y = 2
3
x+2
7. y = − 3
5
x+1
8. y = − 3
2
x+4
9. y = 1
4
x
10. y = − 2
5
x
11. y = 10
12. x = −1
13. 6x + 3y = 18
14. 8x − 2y = 16
15. −2x + 4y = 8
16. −x + 3y = 18
17. 1
2
x−
1
5
y = 1
18. 1
6
x−
2
3
y = 2
19. x + y = 0
20. −x + y = 0
Find the slope of the line passing through the given points.
21. (−2, −4) and (1, −1)
22. (−3, 0) and (3, −4)
23. (− 5
2
,
1
4
) and (− 1
2
,
5
4
)
24. (−4, −3) and (−2, −3)
25. (9, −5) and (9, −6)
26. ( 1
2
, −1) and (−1, − 3
2
)
Find the y-value for which the slope of the line passing through given points has the given slope.
27. m = 3
2
; (6, 10), (−4, y)
28. m = − ; (−6, 4), (9, y) 1
29. m = −4 ; (−2, 5), (−1, y)
30. m = 3; (1, −2), (−2, y)
31. m = 1
5
; (1, y) , (6, 1
5
)
32. m = − ; (−1, y), (−4, 5)3
Given the graph, determine the slope.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
PA R T B : L I N E A R F U N C T I O N S
Find the x- and y-intercepts and use them to graph the following func ons.
41. 6x − 3y = 18
42. 8x − 2y = 8
43. −x + 12y = 6
44. −2x − 6y = 8
45. x − 2y = 5
46. −x + 3y = 1
47. 2x + 3y = 2
48. 5x − 4y = 2
49. 9x − 4y = 30
50. −8x + 3y = 28
51. 1
3
x+
1
2
y = −3
52. 1
4
x−
1
3
y = 3
53. 7
9
x−
2
3
y =
14
54. 1
8
x−
1
6
y = −
3
55. − 1
6
x+
2
9
y =
4
56. 2
15
x+
1
6
y =
4
57. y = − 1
4
x+
1
58. y = 3
8
x−
3
59. y = 2
3
x+
1
60. y = 4
5
x+1
Graph the linear func on and label the x-intercept.
61. f (x) = −5x + 15
62. f (x) = −2x + 6
63. f (x) = −x − 2
64. f (x) = x + 3
65. f (x) = 1
3
x+2
66. f (x) = 5
2
x + 10
67. f (x) = 5
3
x+2
68. f (x) = 2
5
x−3
69. f (x) = − 5
6
x+2
70. f (x) = − 4
3
x+3
71. f (x) = 2x
72. f (x) = 3
Determine the linear func on that defines the given graph and find the x-intercept.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
PA R T C : A G R A P H I C A L I N T E R P R E TAT I O N O F L I N E A R E Q UAT I O N S A N D
I N E Q UA L I T I E S
Graph the func ons f and g on the same set of axes and determine where f (x) = g (x) . Verify
your answer algebraically.
81. f (x) = 1
2
x−3 , g (x) = 1
82. f (x) = 1
3
x+2 , g (x) = −1
83. f (x) = 3x − 2 , g (x) = −5
84. f (x) = x + 2, g (x) = −3
85. f (x) = − 2
3
,
x + 4 g (x) = 2
86. f (x) = − 5
2
,
x + 6 g (x) = 1
87. f (x) = 3x − 2 , g (x) = −2x + 3
88. f (x) = −x + 6, g (x) = x + 2
89. f (x) = − 1
3
,
x g (x) = −
2
3
x+1
90. f (x) = 2
3
x−1 , g (x) = − 4
3
x−3
Graph the func ons f and g on the same set of axes and determine where f (x) ≥ g (x) . Verify
91. f (x) = 3x + 7 , g (x) = 1
92. f (x) = 5x − 3 , g (x) = 2
93. f (x) = 2
3
x−3 , g (x) = −3
94. f (x) = 3
4
x+2 , g (x) = −1
95. f (x) = −x + 1, g (x) = −3
96. f (x) = −4x + 4 , g (x) = 8
97. f (x) = x − 2, g (x) = −x + 4
98. f (x) = 4x − 5 , g (x) = x + 1
Graph the func ons f and g on the same set of axes and determine where f (x) < g (x) . Verify
99. f (x) = x + 5, g (x) = −1
100. f (x) = 3x − 3 , g (x) = 6
101. f (x) = − 4
5
,
x g (x) = −8
102. f (x) = − 3
2
,
x + 6 g (x) = −3
103. f (x) = 1
4
x+1 , g (x) = 0
104. f (x) = 3
5
x−6 , g (x) = 0
105. f (x) = 1
3
x+2 , g (x) = − 1
3
x
106. f (x) = 3
2
x+3 , g (x) = − 3
2
x−3
PA R T D : D I S C U S S I O N B O A R D
107. Do all linear func ons have y-intercepts? Do all linear func ons have x-intercepts? Explain.
108. Can a func on have more than one y-intercept? Explain.
109. How does the ver cal line test show that a ver cal line is not a func on?
ANSWERS
1.
3.
5.
7.
9.
11.
13.
15.
17.
19.
21. 1
23. 1
25. Undefined
27. y = −5
29. y = 1
31. y = − 4
33. m = 1
35. m = − 7
37. m = 4
39. m = 0
41.
43.
45.
47.
49.
51.
53.
55.
57.
59.
61.
63.
65.
67.
69.
71.
73. f (x) = x + 1; (−1, 0)
75. f (x) = − 3
2
x ; (0, 0)
77. f (x) = −9 ; none
79. f (x) = 1
3
x+1 ; (−3, 0)
81. x = 8
83. x = −1
85. x = 3
87. x = 1
89. x = 3
91. [−2, ∞)
93. [0, ∞)
95. (−∞, 4]
97. [3, ∞)
99. (−∞, −6)
101. (10, ∞)
103. (−∞, −4)
105. (−∞, −3)
107. Answer may vary
109. Answer may vary
Previous Sec on Table of Contents Next Sec on

Linear Functions and Their Graphs

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Linear Functions and Their Graphs

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Linear Functions and Their Graphs

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

1/18/2021 Linear Functions and Their Graphs

Previous Sec on Table of Contents Next Sec on

2.2 Linear Func ons and Their Graphs

1. Graph a line by plo ng points.

A Review of Graphing Lines

4y = −8x + 12 Divide both sides by 4.

4 −5 y = −2 (4) + 3 = −8 + 3 = −5 (4, −5)

6 −9 y = −2 (6) + 3 = −12 + 3 = −9 (6, −9)

rise y2 − y1 Δy ← C hange in y

(2, 1) (−3, −5)

Verify that the slope is 6

Substitute the given information into the slope formula.

S lope (x1 , y 1 ) (x2 , y 2 )

Recall that if k is a real number we have

For example, if we graph y = 2 we obtain a horizontal line, and if we graph x = −4 we obtain a

Horizontal Line Vertical Line

(−3, 2) (3, 2) (−4, −1) (−4, 1)

Linear Func ons

3x − 4y = 8 ← S tandard F orm

In general, a linear function is a function that can be written in the form

f (x) = mx + b Linear F unction

(x, y) ⇔ (x, f (x))

Graph the linear function f (x) = − 5

Therefore, the x-intercept is ( 18

To find the x-intercept, we set g (x) = 0 and solve for x.

Horizontal Line Vertical Line

x-intercept: None (−3, 0)

y-intercept: (0, 2) None

Domain: (−∞, ∞) {−3}

Range: {2} (−∞, ∞)

f (x) = c C onstant F unction

Answer: Domain: R; range: {−2}

Try this! Graph f (x) = 3x − 2 and label the x-intercept.

(click to see video)

Linear Equa ons and Inequali es: A Graphical Interpreta on

Here f is a linear function with slope 1

On the graph we can see this shaded.

From the graph we can see that f (x) ≥ g (x) or 1

Find ﬁve ordered pair solu ons and graph.

21. (−2, −4) and (1, −1)

22. (−3, 0) and (3, −4)

24. (−4, −3) and (−2, −3)

25. (9, −5) and (9, −6)

28. m = − ; (−6, 4), (9, y) 1

29. m = −4 ; (−2, 5), (−1, y)

30. m = 3; (1, −2), (−2, y)

32. m = − ; (−1, y), (−4, 5)3

Given the graph, determine the slope.

Graph the linear func on and label the x-intercept.

61. f (x) = −5x + 15

62. f (x) = −2x + 6

83. f (x) = 3x − 2 , g (x) = −5

84. f (x) = x + 2, g (x) = −3

87. f (x) = 3x − 2 , g (x) = −2x + 3

88. f (x) = −x + 6, g (x) = x + 2

91. f (x) = 3x + 7 , g (x) = 1

92. f (x) = 5x − 3 , g (x) = 2

95. f (x) = −x + 1, g (x) = −3

96. f (x) = −4x + 4 , g (x) = 8

97. f (x) = x − 2, g (x) = −x + 4