Holt CA Course Graphing Linear Functions AF3.3 Graph linear functions, noting that the vertical change (change in y-value) per unit of horizontal change (change in x-value) is always the same and know that the ratio (“rise over run”) is called the slope of a graph. California Standards

Holt CA Course Graphing Linear Functions Recall that the solution of an equation with one variable is the value of the variable that makes the equation true. The solutions of an equation with two variables are the ordered pairs that make the equation true. When these ordered pairs form a line, the equation is called a linear equation. A function described by a linear equation is a linear function. To graph a linear function, plot some solutions of the related linear equation, then draw a line through them. The line represents all of the ordered pair solutions of the equation.

Holt CA Course Graphing Linear Functions Graph the linear function y = 4x – 1. Additional Example 1: Graphing Linear Functions Input RuleOutput Ordered Pair x4x – 1y(x, y) 0 1 –1 4(0) – 1 4(1) – 1 4(–1) – 1 –1 3 –5 (0, –1) (1, 3) (–1, –5) Make a table. Substitute positive, negative, and zero values for x.

Holt CA Course Graphing Linear Functions Not all linear equations describe functions. The graphs of some linear equations are vertical lines, which do not pass the vertical line test. Helpful Hint

Holt CA Course Graphing Linear Functions Additional Example 1 Continued Graph the linear function y = 4x - 1. Plot each ordered pair on the coordinate grid and then connect the points with a line. x y 0 –2 – –2 –4 (0, –1) (1, 3) (–1, –5)

Holt CA Course Graphing Linear Functions Graph the linear function y = 3x + 1. Input RuleOutput Ordered Pair x3x + 1y(x, y) 0 1 –1 3(0) + 1 3(1) + 1 3(–1) –2 (0, 1) (1, 4) (–1, –2) Check It Out! Example 1 Make a table. Substitute positive, negative, and zero values for x.

Holt CA Course Graphing Linear Functions Check It Out! Example 1 Continued Graph the linear function y = 3x + 1. Plot each ordered pair on the coordinate grid. Then connect the points with a line. x y 0 –2 – –2 –4 (0, 1) (1, 4) (–1, –2)

Holt CA Course Graphing Linear Functions The fastest-moving tectonic plates on Earth move apart at a rate of 15 centimeters per year. Scientists began studying two parts of these plates when they were 30 centimeters apart. Write a linear function that describes the movement of the plates over time. Then make a graph to show the movement over 4 years. Additional Example 2: Earth Science Application Let x represent the input and y represent the output. The function is y = 15x + 30, where x is the number of years and y is the total distance apart the two plates are.

Holt CA Course Graphing Linear Functions Additional Example 2 Continued InputRuleOutput 15(x) + 30 x (0) (2) (4) + 30 y Multiply the input by 15 and then add 30.

Holt CA Course Graphing Linear Functions Additional Example 2 Continued Graph the ordered pairs (0, 30), (2, 60), and (4, 90) from your table. Connect the points with a line. x Distance (cm) Years

Holt CA Course Graphing Linear Functions Check It Out! Example 2 Dogs are considered to age 7 years for each human year. If a dog is 3 years old today, how old in human years will it be in 4 more years? Write a linear equation which would show this relationship. Then make a graph to show how the dog will age in human years over the next 4 years. Let x represent the input and y represent the output. The function is y = 7x + 21, where x is the number of years from now and y is the total age of the dog in human years.

Holt CA Course Graphing Linear Functions Check It Out! Example 2 Continued InputRuleOutput 7(x) + 21 x (0) (2) (4) + 21 y Multiply the input by 7 and then add 21.

Holt CA Course Graphing Linear Functions Check It Out! Example 2 Continued x Graph the ordered pairs (0, 21), (2, 35), and (4, 49) from your table. Connect the points with a line. Age in Human Years Years