Linear Functions
Revision Notes
Linear Functions - General
The general form of a linear function is:
y = mx + c,
Where m is the gradient of the linear function (the rise / run)
And c is the y-intercept (where the graph of the linear function
crosses the y-axis
The two parameters, m and c define a specific linear function
A linear equation lets us find the y-value for each x-value for each
point on the line.
Linear Equations - Gradient
The gradient is the ratio of the rise over the run
Subtract the y values of two points
Subtract the corresponding x values of the two points
Divide the two differences (y / x)
To sketch a linear function (the graph represented by a linear
equation), you need only two points.
Plot the two points on the Cartesian Plane and join the two points using a
ruler
There are other ways of sketching a linear function (see next slide)
Linear Equations - sketching
Gradient and one point method
From the given point, find another point on the linear graph by moving to a
new x-coordinate and finding the corresponding y-coordinate of the new
point.
Intercept and gradient method
If the y-intercept (or x-intercept) is given, this is simply a known point for
which either the x- or y- value is zero.
Use the point and gradient method (above) to find another point and
construct the graph of the linear function.
Linear Equations – Parallel and
Perpendicular
Parallel lines have the same gradient
The value of the gradient (ratio of rise over run) is the same for each
linear function
The product of the gradients of Perpendicular lines is equal to
negative one (-1)
Simultaneous Linear Equations
The purpose of solving simultaneous equations is to find a point (x,y)
which satisfies both linear functions at the same time.
This point (which is on both linear functions, that is, both lines) is the
point where the two lines intersect.
The point of intersection is where the x-value and the corresponding
y-value are the same for each linear function
To solve two linear equations for the point of intersection, find the
relationship between x and y from one equation and substitute into
the other equation.
In class, we looked at two methods of solving linear simultaneous
equations
Simultaneous Equations (2)
The methods are:
Substitution
Find x or y as the subject of one equation and substitute this in place
of the corresponding variable in the other equation
Elimination
Multiply or divide both sides of one equation so that the coefficient of
one of the variables (x or y) is the same in both equations.
Then add or subtract the two equations (add or subtract both the left
hand side (LHS) and right hand side (RHS) of the two equations), so
that the identical term in one of the variables is eliminated.
Elimination Method example
3x + 2y = 47 (1)
9x – 2y = 13 (2)
Observe that 2y + (-2y) = 0 (this eliminates the term in y)
Add the equations
3x + 2y + 9x – 2y = 47 + 13
12x = 60
x =5
Now substitute this value back into equation (1) to find y
15 + 2y = 47
2y = 32 => y = 16
Solution is (x,y) = (5, 16) --- Ans.
Always check your answer
