Question 561888
The letter f defines the function itself, so it is indeed important.


A function, in general terms, is defined as an operation that "maps" a set of values (called the "domain") to another set of values (called the "range"). Usually, the domain and range will be the set of real numbers (unless there are certain restrictions). Eventually you will see functions where the domain and/or range require multiple numbers or variables.


For example, suppose f(x) = 2x + 1. Then f(4) = 2(4) + 1 = 9 and f(-1.5) = 2(-1.5) + 1 = -2.


To solve the question you posted, you will have to know what "slope" is. Slope is essentially how "steep" the function is if it were to be graphed, and it is usually denoted by the letter m. The slope between two points (x1,y1), (x2,y2) is


*[tex \LARGE m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}]


So just plug in the points (0,3) and (-2,7) into the formula. You already know the y-intercept is (0,3) so all you need is the slope.