Math Problem Statement

if a function has a rate of change 1/2 and y=4 when x=2, write its equation

Solution

To write the equation of the function, we can use the point-slope form of a linear equation. The point-slope form is given by:

yy1=m(xx1)y - y_1 = m(x - x_1)

where:

  • mm is the slope (rate of change),
  • (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) is a point on the line.

Given:

  • Rate of change (slope) m=12m = \frac{1}{2},
  • Point (x1,y1)=(2,4)(x_1, y_1) = (2, 4).

Substituting these values into the point-slope form:

y4=12(x2)y - 4 = \frac{1}{2}(x - 2)

Now, simplify the equation:

y4=12x1y - 4 = \frac{1}{2}x - 1

Adding 4 to both sides to solve for yy:

y=12x+3y = \frac{1}{2}x + 3

So, the equation of the function is:

y=12x+3y = \frac{1}{2}x + 3

Would you like more details or have any questions? Here are some related questions to explore:

  1. How would the equation change if the slope were 34\frac{3}{4} instead of 12\frac{1}{2}?
  2. What is the y-intercept of the function y=12x+3y = \frac{1}{2}x + 3?
  3. How can you find the x-intercept of the function y=12x+3y = \frac{1}{2}x + 3?
  4. What does the slope of 12\frac{1}{2} tell you about the function's graph?
  5. How do you convert the point-slope form to the slope-intercept form?

Tip: Always check if the equation of the line correctly satisfies the given point by substituting the values of xx and yy back into the final equation.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Equations

Formulas

Point-Slope Form: y - y1 = m(x - x1)
Slope-Intercept Form: y = mx + b

Theorems

Slope Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9