Math Problem Statement

Graph each linear function.

Graph each linear function: f(x) = 3x - 4.

Solution

To graph the linear function f(x)=3x4f(x) = 3x - 4, follow these steps:

  1. Identify the slope and y-intercept:

    • The equation is in slope-intercept form: f(x)=mx+bf(x) = mx + b, where mm is the slope and bb is the y-intercept.
    • Here, the slope m=3m = 3, and the y-intercept b=4b = -4. This means the line crosses the y-axis at (0,4)(0, -4).
  2. Plot the y-intercept:

    • Begin by plotting the point (0,4)(0, -4) on the graph.
  3. Use the slope to find another point:

    • The slope of 3 means that for every 1 unit you move to the right (along the x-axis), you move 3 units up (along the y-axis).
    • From (0,4)(0, -4), move 1 unit to the right to x=1x = 1, and 3 units up, placing you at the point (1,1)(1, -1).
  4. Plot the second point:

    • Plot the point (1,1)(1, -1).
  5. Draw the line:

    • Now, draw a straight line through the points (0,4)(0, -4) and (1,1)(1, -1). This is the graph of the function.

Would you like further details or any clarifications?

Here are five related questions:

  1. What is the general formula for a linear function?
  2. How do you determine the slope from a graph?
  3. What does the slope of a line tell us about its steepness?
  4. How would the graph change if the slope were negative?
  5. What is the effect of changing the y-intercept on the graph?

Tip: Always check if the slope is positive or negative, as it determines the direction of the line (upwards or downwards).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Equations
Graphing

Formulas

Slope-intercept form: f(x) = mx + b

Theorems

Linear graph theorem (straight line through two points)

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9