Math Problem Statement

Find the value of f(4) given a linear function graph.

Solution

To find the value of f(4)f(4), let's first analyze the graph of the function.

  1. Identify the Line’s Equation: The line appears to be linear, so it follows the form y=mx+by = mx + b, where mm is the slope and bb is the y-intercept.

  2. Determine the Slope (m): Looking at the graph, the line appears to descend as it moves from left to right, indicating a negative slope. We can calculate the slope by taking two points on the line. For example, let’s assume two points:

    • Point 1: (2,4)(-2, 4)
    • Point 2: (0,2)(0, 2)

    Using the slope formula: m=y2y1x2x1=240(2)=22=1m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} = \frac{2 - 4}{0 - (-2)} = \frac{-2}{2} = -1

    So, the slope mm is 1-1.

  3. Find the y-intercept (b): The line crosses the y-axis at y=2y = 2, so the y-intercept bb is 22.

    Therefore, the equation of the line is: f(x)=x+2f(x) = -x + 2

  4. Calculate f(4)f(4): Substitute x=4x = 4 into the equation: f(4)=(4)+2=4+2=2f(4) = -(4) + 2 = -4 + 2 = -2

So, f(4)=2f(4) = -2.

Would you like further details on any part of this process?


Here are some related questions you might find interesting:

  1. How would you calculate the slope if the points given were different?
  2. How can you determine the equation of a line if you only know the slope and one point?
  3. What is the significance of the y-intercept in a linear function?
  4. How do you interpret a negative slope in terms of the relationship between xx and yy?
  5. How would you graph a line if only the equation was given?

Tip: When reading a graph, carefully choose points where the line crosses exact coordinates to simplify calculations for slope and intercept.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Equations
Slope-Intercept Form
Graph Interpretation

Formulas

Slope formula: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
Slope-intercept form: y = mx + b

Theorems

Equation of a Line

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10