SOLUTION: x y -4 -6 0 6 2 12 6 24 How can you tell if this is a linear function and Why? How do you find the equation for this data. I s

Algebra ->  Functions -> SOLUTION: x y -4 -6 0 6 2 12 6 24 How can you tell if this is a linear function and Why? How do you find the equation for this data. I s      Log On


   

Question 45078: x y
-4 -6
0 6
2 12
6 24
How can you tell if this is a linear function and Why? How do you find the equation for this data.
I say yes this is a linear function because there is only one input per output, but I do not know why?
The equation I think is y = mx + b, I do not know how to put in the numbers.
Found 2 solutions by Nate, stanbon:
Answer by Nate(3500) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
(-4,-6) and (0,6) are points
M = (y2 - y1)/(x2 - x1) = (6 + 6)/(0 + 4) = 12/4 = 3
y-intercept: 6
y = mx + b
y = 3x + 6
+graph%28+600%2C+600%2C+-20%2C+20%2C+-20%2C+20%2C+3x+%2B+6+%29+

Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x y
-4 -6
0 6
2 12
6 24
How can you tell if this is a linear function and Why? How do you find the equation for this data.
Notice that as x increases of 0 to 2 y increases by 6
and when x increases from 2 to 6 y increases by 2(6)=12
This consistent change if y corresponding to a measured increase
in x means the function is linear.
You have two points: (0,6) and (2,12)
Use them to determine the slope = (12-6)/(2-0)=6
Sustitute one of these points and the slope into y=mx+b
to get 6=6(0)+b which implies tht b=6
The eqution is y=6x+6
Cheers,
Stan H.