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1.4: Linear Functions

  • Page ID
    239964
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    Stalactite Growth (Linear Model)

    The length of a stalactite is modeled by the formula:
    \(L(t)=17.75+\left(\frac{1}{250}\right) t\), where \(\mathrm{L}(\mathrm{t})\) represents the length (in inches) and t is the time in years since measurement.

    [a)] Enter \(L(t)=17.75+\left(\frac{1}{250}\right) t\) into Desmos.

    [b)] Identify the vertical intercept and explain what it represents in context.

    [c)] Use the graph to estimate the stalactite's length after 500 years. Compare with the algebraic calculation.
     

    Slope from Two Points

    [a)] Plot the points \((3,5)\) and \((9,23)\) in Desmos.

    [b)] Use Desmos to draw the line through the points and confirm the slope visually.

    [c)] Describe how the steepness of the line matches your calculation.
     

    Car Depreciation

    A new Toyota RAV4 costs \(\$ 23,500\). The car's value depreciates linearly to \(\$ 18,823\) in three years.

    [a)] Write the equation for the car's value.

    [b)] Graph the function in Desmos.

    [c)] Use the graph to estimate the car's value after 5 years.

    [d)] Compare this with your algebraic calculation.

    Advertising and Units Sold

    A company sells 300 units with no advertising. For each additional \$5000 spent, 20 more units are sold.

    [a)] Write a linear equation for units sold.

    [b)] Enter your equation into Desmos.

    [c)] Use the graph to estimate sales at \$40,000 spent.

    [d)] Zoom out and describe how the slope represents rate of change in sales.
     

    Graphing Nonlinear Function}

    Consider \(y=-x\left(\dfrac{x-1000}{900}\right)\).

    [a)] Enter the function into Desmos.

    [b)] Adjust the viewing window to \(-500 \leq \mathrm{x} \leq 500\) and \(-500 \leq \mathrm{y} \leq 500\).

    [c)] Compare how the graph looks zoomed in vs. zoomed out. Explain why it appears linear at first and nonlinear at a larger scale.
     


    1.4: Linear Functions is shared under a CC BY license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.