Chapter 4: Problem 1
Find the linear functions satisfying the given conditions. $$f(-1)=0 \text { and } f(5)=4$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The linear function is \(f(x) = \frac{2}{3}x + \frac{2}{3}.\)
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
We need to find a linear function (in the form of \(f(x) = mx + c\)) that satisfies two conditions: \(f(-1) = 0\) and \(f(5) = 4\). Linear functions graph as straight lines, defined by a slope \(m\) and a y-intercept \(c\).
02
Set Up the System of Equations
Using the conditions, plug the points into the linear function form. First, for \(f(-1) = 0\): \[0 = m(-1) + c\]which simplifies to \[0 = -m + c\] or \[m = c.\] For \(f(5) = 4\): \[4 = m(5) + c\] or \[5m + c = 4.\] We now have a system of equations:1. \(m = c\)2. \(5m + c = 4\).
03
Solve the System of Equations
Substitute \(m=c\) into the second equation \(5m + c = 4\):\[5m + m = 4\]\[6m = 4\]\[m = \frac{4}{6} = \frac{2}{3}.\]Since \(m = c\), we also have \(c = \frac{2}{3}.\)
04
Write the Linear Function
Substitute \(m = \frac{2}{3}\) and \(c = \frac{2}{3}\) back into the linear function form \(f(x) = mx + c\):\[f(x) = \frac{2}{3}x + \frac{2}{3}.\]
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Slope-Intercept Form of a Linear Function
A linear function is often expressed in the form \(f(x) = mx + c\), which is known as the slope-intercept form. This equation is essential in representing a straight line on a graph. This form clearly shows the slope \(m\) and the y-intercept \(c\).
To summarize, the slope-intercept form \(f(x) = mx + c\) is an indispensable tool for working with linear functions, facilitating everything from graphing to solving practical problems.
- Slope \(m\): Describes the steepness or incline of the line. It is the change in \(y\) for each change in \(x\).
- Y-intercept \(c\): The point where the line crosses the y-axis. This value indicates where the line starts when x is zero.
To summarize, the slope-intercept form \(f(x) = mx + c\) is an indispensable tool for working with linear functions, facilitating everything from graphing to solving practical problems.
Solving Systems of Equations
In mathematics, a system of equations is a collection of two or more equations with a set of variables.This step involves determining whether there exists a common solution for all the equations in the system. In our problem, we dealt with two equations derived from the linear function's conditions:
Systems of equations are fundamental in mathematics, allowing us to handle simultaneous conditions or constraints.Learning how to manipulate these systems is key to unlocking complex problem-solving capabilities.
- \(m = c\)
- \(5m + c = 4\)
Systems of equations are fundamental in mathematics, allowing us to handle simultaneous conditions or constraints.Learning how to manipulate these systems is key to unlocking complex problem-solving capabilities.
Solving Linear Equations
Solving linear equations is a crucial skill in algebra, focusing on finding the unknown variable while maintaining the equality. In our exercise, once we set up the system, we proceeded to solve the equations:
This exercise demonstrates the simplicity of linear equations, where each operation brings us closer to finding the unknown values. Mastering linear equations enhances your problem-solving efficiency and builds a foundation for tackling more complex mathematical scenarios.
- Starting with \(5m + m = 4\), we combined terms: \(6m = 4\).
- By dividing both sides by 6, we isolated \(m\): \(m = \frac{4}{6} = \frac{2}{3}\).
This exercise demonstrates the simplicity of linear equations, where each operation brings us closer to finding the unknown values. Mastering linear equations enhances your problem-solving efficiency and builds a foundation for tackling more complex mathematical scenarios.