SOLUTION: How can you tell if an equation is linear or directly proportional by looking at a graph, equation or table?

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Question 2580: How can you tell if an equation is linear or directly proportional by looking at a graph, equation or table?
Answer by longjonsilver(2297) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
linear...meaning straight line. So:
a. looking at a graph..is the graph a straight line?
b. looking at the equation --> equation will be of the form y = ax + b where a and b are constants ie no x^2 or x^3 terms etc...no wierd ones like y = 1/x etc.
c. looking at a table..you probably couldn't easily or at least with 100% certainty.

jon