Math Problem Statement

The graph of a function is shown below. On which interval is the function increasing and linear?

Solution

To determine the interval where the function is both increasing and linear, we need to carefully analyze the graph.

From the graph:

  1. A linear function has a constant slope, meaning it appears as a straight line.
  2. An increasing function has a positive slope (the graph rises as you move from left to right).

Let's examine the intervals:

  • Between x=9x = -9 and x=4x = -4: The function is decreasing (the graph slopes downward), so this is not the correct interval.
  • Between x=4x = -4 and x=1x = -1: The graph is non-linear, curving up and down. So, this is also incorrect.
  • Between x=1x = -1 and x=5x = 5: The function is increasing from x=1x = -1 to x=1x = 1, but only a portion is linear.
  • Between x=5x = 5 and x=9x = 9: The function is increasing, but the graph is not linear here. The curve shows a slope change, indicating it's non-linear.

The correct interval is between x=1x = -1 and x=5x = 5, as this contains a portion that is increasing and linear (a straight, rising line).

Would you like more details on this? Here are 5 related questions you might explore:

  1. What distinguishes a linear from a non-linear function in general?
  2. How can we identify increasing vs decreasing intervals on a graph?
  3. Can a function be increasing but non-linear?
  4. How does one calculate the slope of a linear function from a graph?
  5. What does it mean if a function is decreasing and linear?

Tip: Always check both the slope and the shape of the graph to determine if a function is increasing/decreasing and linear/non-linear!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Functions
Increasing and Decreasing Functions
Graph Analysis

Formulas

Slope of a Linear Function: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

Theorems

Definition of Linear Function

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10