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.

