Chapter 2: Problem 273
Sketch a graph of the linear function \(f(t)=2 t-5\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
Graph the line passing through (0, -5) with a slope of 2.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Slope and Y-Intercept
The given linear function is in the form \( f(t) = mt + b \), where \( m \) is the slope and \( b \) is the y-intercept. For the function \( f(t) = 2t - 5 \), the slope \( m \) is 2 and the y-intercept \( b \) is -5. This means that the line will cross the y-axis at the point (0, -5) and will rise 2 units for every 1 unit of run to the right.
02
Plot the Y-Intercept
Start the graph by plotting the y-intercept point on the coordinate plane. From Step 1, the y-intercept is at the point (0, -5). Locate this point on the graph, which is on the vertical y-axis.
03
Use the Slope to Find Another Point
Using the slope of the line, which is 2, we can find another point on the line. The slope \( m = \frac{2}{1} \) means from the y-intercept (0, -5), move 1 unit to the right (positive direction along the x-axis) and then 2 units up (positive direction along the y-axis). This brings us to the point (1, -3). Plot this point.
04
Draw the Line
With the two points (0, -5) and (1, -3) plotted on the graph, use a ruler to draw a straight line through these points. Extend the line beyond these points and in both directions to better visualize the linear function.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Slope
The slope of a linear function is a crucial concept that helps us understand how "steep" a line is and in which direction it travels on the coordinate plane. In the linear function, the slope is represented by the letter \( m \). It tells us the change in the vertical direction (y-axis) for each unit change in the horizontal direction (x-axis).
For the function \( f(t) = 2t - 5 \), the slope \( m \) is 2. This means that for every 1 unit you move to the right along the x-axis, you move 2 units up along the y-axis.
Remember:
For the function \( f(t) = 2t - 5 \), the slope \( m \) is 2. This means that for every 1 unit you move to the right along the x-axis, you move 2 units up along the y-axis.
Remember:
- If the slope is positive, like in our example, the line ascends as it moves from left to right.
- A negative slope would mean the line descends, moving downward from left to right.
- A slope of zero would result in a perfectly horizontal line.
Y-Intercept
The y-intercept is a key part of understanding where a line intersects the y-axis on a graph. It's represented in the equation \( f(t) = mt + b \) by the term \( b \). This value tells us precisely where the line will "hit" the y-axis.
For the function \( f(t) = 2t - 5 \), the y-intercept \( b \) is -5. This tells us that when \( t \) is zero, the value of the function is -5. So, the line crosses the y-axis at the point (0, -5).
Here’s what’s helpful to remember:
For the function \( f(t) = 2t - 5 \), the y-intercept \( b \) is -5. This tells us that when \( t \) is zero, the value of the function is -5. So, the line crosses the y-axis at the point (0, -5).
Here’s what’s helpful to remember:
- The y-intercept provides a starting point for your line on the graph.
- It's the initial value of the function when \( t \) (or x in a different context) is zero.
- To find it graphically, look for where the line cuts across the y-axis.
Coordinate Plane
The coordinate plane is the grid system that helps plot points and visualize functions. It consists of two perpendicular lines, known as axes:
- The horizontal axis, or x-axis, typically represents independent variable values.
- The vertical axis, or y-axis, represents the dependent variable values based on inputs from the x-axis.
- we start at the y-intercept (0, -5),
- use the slope to determine further points, such as moving to (1, -3).
Graphing
Graphing a linear function involves drawing its representation on the coordinate plane. This process helps transform numerical relationships into visual data. For the function \( f(t) = 2t - 5 \), here’s a breakdown:1. Plot the y-intercept (0, -5) on the y-axis.2. Use the slope for direction: from (0, -5), move 1 unit right and 2 units up to find the next point (1, -3).3. With two points plotted, draw a straight line through them. Extend this line in both directions.
Benefits of graphing:
Benefits of graphing:
- Makes it easier to see the trend and direction of the function.
- Allows visual checking of points along the line.
- Facilitates understanding of intercepts and slopes visually.