Math Problem Statement

f(x) is a linear function. f(-3) = 4 and f(0) = 3. Find an equation for f(x).

Solution

The question from your image states:

Given:

  • f(x)f(x) is a linear function.
  • f(3)=4f(-3) = 4
  • f(0)=3f(0) = 3

Find: An equation for f(x)f(x).

Solution:

Since f(x)f(x) is a linear function, it can be written in the form:

f(x)=mx+bf(x) = mx + b

where mm is the slope and bb is the y-intercept.

Step 1: Use Given Points to Set Up Equations

We have two points:

  1. (3,4)(-3, 4) from f(3)=4f(-3) = 4
  2. (0,3)(0, 3) from f(0)=3f(0) = 3

Substitute these points into the linear equation:

  1. For f(3)=4f(-3) = 4:
    4=m(3)+b4 = m(-3) + b

  2. For f(0)=3f(0) = 3:
    3=m(0)+b    b=33 = m(0) + b \implies b = 3

Step 2: Solve for Slope mm

Substitute b=3b = 3 into the first equation:

4=m(3)+34 = m(-3) + 3

Simplify to find mm:

43=3m    1=3m    m=134 - 3 = -3m \implies 1 = -3m \implies m = -\frac{1}{3}

Step 3: Write the Equation

Now substitute m=13m = -\frac{1}{3} and b=3b = 3 back into the linear equation form:

f(x)=13x+3f(x) = -\frac{1}{3}x + 3

Final Answer:

The equation for f(x)f(x) is:

f(x)=13x+3\boxed{f(x) = -\frac{1}{3}x + 3}

Would you like more details or have any other questions?

Follow-up Questions:

  1. How do you find the slope of a linear function given two points?
  2. What is the significance of the y-intercept in a linear equation?
  3. How do you graph a linear function on the coordinate plane?
  4. How can you determine if a function is linear or non-linear?
  5. How does the slope affect the steepness and direction of a line?

Tip:

For linear functions, knowing two points is sufficient to determine the equation of the line.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Functions
Slope-Intercept Form
Algebra

Formulas

f(x) = mx + b
Slope formula: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

Theorems

Slope-Intercept Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10