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Study Guides > Intermediate Algebra

Introduction: Characteristics of Linear Functions and Their Graphs

An upward view of bamboo trees.

Imagine placing a plant in the ground one day and finding that it has doubled its height just a few days later. Although it may seem incredible, this can happen with certain types of bamboo species. These members of the grass family are the fastest-growing plants in the world. One species of bamboo has been observed to grow nearly 1.51.5 inches every hour. In a twenty-four hour period, this bamboo plant grows about 3636/ inches, or an incredible 33 feet! A constant rate of change, such as the growth cycle of this bamboo species, is a linear function.

 

In this lesson you will learn how to:

  • Calculate and interpret the slope of a linear function
  • Write the point-slope form of a linear function
  • Use simple transformations to graph linear functions

The learning activities for this outcome include:

  • Read: Calculate and interpret slope
  • Self-Check: Calculate and interpret slope
  • Read: Graph linear functions using slope and y-intercept
  • Self-Check: Graph linear functions using slope and y-intercept
  • Read: Transform linear functions
  • Self-Check: Transform linear functions

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