Introduction

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this chapter, you should be able to

• Determine the characteristics of the graphs of linear relations, including

• • Intercepts
  • Slope
  • Domain
  • Range

• Relate linear relations expressed in slope-intercept form (y = mx + b) to their graphs

• Determine the equation of a linear relation given the following:

• • A graph
  • A point and the slope
  • Two points
  • A point and the equation of a parallel or perpendicular line to solve problems

• Represent a linear function using function notation

Unit Overview

In this unit, you will learn about linear relations. You will learn how to analyze linear relations in a variety of ways and express a linear relation in the form of an equation. Many real-life applications can be represented with a linear relation. For example, the relationship between the cost of an item and the quantity of that item purchased can be represented with a linear relation. If a utility company charges a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh), the relationship between the amount of electricity consumed and the total cost of your electricity bill can also be represented with a linear relation.