Math Problem Statement

Which equations, when graphed on the coordinate plane, are not represented by a straight line? Select all that apply.

Solution

To determine which equations are not represented by a straight line, we need to understand the following:

  • Linear equations take the form y=mx+by = mx + b, where mm is the slope and bb is the y-intercept. These equations produce straight lines on a graph.
  • Any equation with higher powers of xx, roots, or other nonlinear components will not produce a straight line.

Now let's analyze the given equations:


  1. 2y=8x22y = 8x^2
    Divide both sides by 2:
    y=4x2y = 4x^2.
    Since xx is squared, this is a parabola (nonlinear).
    ✅ Not a straight line.

  2. y=1xy = \frac{1}{\sqrt{x}}
    The equation involves a square root of xx, which is a nonlinear function.
    ✅ Not a straight line.

  3. y=3x3xy = 3x \cdot 3x
    Simplify:
    y=9x2y = 9x^2.
    Since xx is squared, this is a parabola (nonlinear).
    ✅ Not a straight line.

  4. y=33xy = 3 \cdot 3x
    Simplify:
    y=9xy = 9x.
    This equation is in the form y=mxy = mx, which is linear.
    ❌ Represents a straight line.

  5. y=52xy = 5^2 - x
    Simplify:
    y=25xy = 25 - x.
    This is in the form y=x+25y = -x + 25, which is linear.
    ❌ Represents a straight line.

  6. y=x2+x6y = x^2 + x - 6
    Since xx is squared, this equation represents a parabola (nonlinear).
    ✅ Not a straight line.


Final Answer:

The equations that are not represented by a straight line are:

  • 2y=8x22y = 8x^2
  • y=1xy = \frac{1}{\sqrt{x}}
  • y=3x3xy = 3x \cdot 3x
  • y=x2+x6y = x^2 + x - 6

Do you want a breakdown of graph shapes for these equations? Let me know!

Here are 5 related questions for further practice:

  1. What are the key differences between linear and quadratic equations?
  2. How do you identify a nonlinear equation from its general form?
  3. How would you graph y=x2+x6y = x^2 + x - 6?
  4. What kind of graph does y=1xy = \frac{1}{\sqrt{x}} produce?
  5. How can you determine if an equation is linear by analyzing its degree?

Tip: Equations with x2x^2, x3x^3, roots, or reciprocals of xx are typically nonlinear. Always simplify the equation first!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Equations
Nonlinear Equations
Quadratic Equations
Functions

Formulas

General form of linear equations: y = mx + b
Quadratic form: y = ax^2 + bx + c
Square root function: y = 1/√x

Theorems

Nonlinear equations include powers greater than 1, square roots, or reciprocals of variables.

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10