Chapter 9.7, Problem 3BCYP

To determine

Whether the given table represents linear or non-linear function

Answer to Problem 3BCYP

It is a linear function

Explanation of Solution

Given:

The given data is

  

Calculation:

Linear Functions: The graph of linear functions is always a straight line. These functions have the form $y=a+bx$ .

The slope of the linear graph always remains constant. The slope of the equation is given by:

  $m=\frac{y_2-y_1}{x_2-x_1}$

From the given table,

  $\begin{array}{l}{m}_1=\frac{14-10}{6-3}\\ m_1=\frac{4}{3}\\ \\ m_2=\frac{18-14}{9-6}\\ m_2=\frac{4}{3}\\ \\ m_3=\frac{22-18}{12-9}\\ m_3=\frac{4}{3}\end{array}$

As m1=m2=m3, the slope is constant, hence, the given data represents a linear function.