The Ordered Pairs and the Linear Function

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 142 views

Introduction

In mathematics, linear functions are a fundamental concept that plays a crucial role in various fields, including algebra, geometry, and calculus. A linear function is a polynomial function of degree one, which can be written in the form f(x) = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept. Given two points on a linear function, we can determine the equation of the function by finding the slope and y-intercept. In this article, we will explore how to find the equation of a linear function given two points on the function.

The Ordered Pairs and the Linear Function

The ordered pairs $$(-4,7)$$ and $$(8,-20)$$ are points on a linear function. To find the equation of the function, we need to find the slope and y-intercept. The slope of a linear function can be found using the formula:

m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

where (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are the two points on the function.

Finding the Slope

Using the given points, we can find the slope as follows:

m = (-20 - 7) / (8 - (-4)) m = -27 / 12 m = -9/4

Finding the Y-Intercept

Now that we have the slope, we can find the y-intercept by substituting one of the points into the equation of the function. Let's use the point (-4, 7):

f(x) = mx + b 7 = (-9/4)(-4) + b 7 = 9 + b b = -2

Writing the Equation of the Function

Now that we have the slope and y-intercept, we can write the equation of the function as follows:

f(x) = mx + b f(x) = (-9/4)x - 2

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored how to find the equation of a linear function given two points on the function. We have used the ordered pairs $$(-4,7)$$ and $$(8,-20)$$ to find the slope and y-intercept, and then wrote the equation of the function. The equation of the function is f(x) = (-9/4)x - 2.

Discussion

The equation of a linear function can be written in the form f(x) = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept. The slope of a linear function can be found using the formula m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1), and the y-intercept can be found by substituting one of the points into the equation of the function. In this article, we have used the ordered pairs $$(-4,7)$$ and $$(8,-20)$$ to find the equation of the function.

Comparison with Other Options

Let's compare our equation with the other options:

A. f(x) = (13/4)x - 46 B. f(x) = (-9/4)x - 2 C. f(x) = (9/4)x - 2

Our equation, f(x) = (-9/4)x - 2, matches option B. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the ordered pairs $$(-4,7)$$ and $$(8,-20)$$ are points on a linear function. By finding the slope and y-intercept, we can write the equation of the function as f(x) = (-9/4)x - 2. This equation matches option B, making it the correct answer.

References

[1] Linear Functions. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/linear-functions.html
[2] Slope of a Line. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/slope-of-line.html

Additional Resources

[1] Khan Academy. (n.d.). Linear Functions. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra/x2f6f7d
[2] Mathway. (n.d.). Linear Functions. Retrieved from https://www.mathway.com/subjects/linear-functions

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored how to find the equation of a linear function given two points on the function. We used the ordered pairs $$(-4,7)$$ and $$(8,-20)$$ to find the slope and y-intercept, and then wrote the equation of the function. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions related to linear functions and ordered pairs.

Q&A

Q1: What is a linear function?

A1: A linear function is a polynomial function of degree one, which can be written in the form f(x) = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.

Q2: How do I find the slope of a linear function?

A2: The slope of a linear function can be found using the formula m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1), where (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are the two points on the function.

Q3: How do I find the y-intercept of a linear function?

A3: The y-intercept of a linear function can be found by substituting one of the points into the equation of the function.

Q4: What is the equation of a linear function?

A4: The equation of a linear function can be written in the form f(x) = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.

Q5: How do I determine the equation of a linear function given two points?

A5: To determine the equation of a linear function given two points, you need to find the slope and y-intercept using the formulas m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1) and b = f(x1) - m(x1).

Q6: What is the significance of the slope in a linear function?

A6: The slope of a linear function represents the rate of change of the function with respect to the input variable.

Q7: How do I graph a linear function?

A7: To graph a linear function, you need to plot two points on the function and draw a line through them.

Q8: What is the relationship between the slope and the y-intercept in a linear function?

A8: The slope and y-intercept are related by the equation f(x) = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.

Q9: Can a linear function have a negative slope?

A9: Yes, a linear function can have a negative slope.

Q10: Can a linear function have a zero slope?

A10: Yes, a linear function can have a zero slope.

Conclusion

In this article, we have answered some frequently asked questions related to linear functions and ordered pairs. We have discussed the equation of a linear function, the significance of the slope, and how to graph a linear function. We hope that this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of linear functions and ordered pairs.

Discussion

The equation of a linear function can be written in the form f(x) = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept. The slope of a linear function represents the rate of change of the function with respect to the input variable. The y-intercept of a linear function can be found by substituting one of the points into the equation of the function.

Comparison with Other Options

Let's compare our answers with the other options:

A. f(x) = (13/4)x - 46 B. f(x) = (-9/4)x - 2 C. f(x) = (9/4)x - 2

Our answers match option B. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

Final Thoughts

References

[1] Linear Functions. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/linear-functions.html
[2] Slope of a Line. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/slope-of-line.html

Additional Resources

[1] Khan Academy. (n.d.). Linear Functions. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra/x2f6f7d
[2] Mathway. (n.d.). Linear Functions. Retrieved from https://www.mathway.com/subjects/linear-functions