π Understanding Linear Functions
A linear function is like a straight line. Imagine walking on a perfectly flat road β that's linear! The rate of change (or slope) is constant. This means for every step you take forward, you go up (or down) the same amount.
- π The general form of a linear function is: $f(x) = mx + b$, where $m$ is the slope and $b$ is the y-intercept.
- βοΈ Graphically, it's a straight line. Always!
- β The slope ($m$) tells you how steep the line is. A positive slope goes up, a negative slope goes down, and a zero slope is a horizontal line.
π Understanding Quadratic Functions
A quadratic function is a bit curvier! Think of throwing a ball β it goes up, reaches a peak, and then comes back down. That curved path is a parabola, the shape of a quadratic function.
- π’ The general form is: $f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c$, where $a$, $b$, and $c$ are constants, and $a$ cannot be zero.
- π Graphically, it forms a parabola, which is a U-shaped curve.
- ι‘ΆηΉ The vertex is the highest or lowest point on the parabola (the peak or the valley).
π Linear vs. Quadratic Functions: A Comparison
| Feature |
Linear Function |
Quadratic Function |
| Definition |
A function with a constant rate of change. |
A function with a variable rate of change, forming a parabola. |
| General Form |
$f(x) = mx + b$ |
$f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c$ |
| Graph |
Straight line |
Parabola (U-shaped curve) |
| Rate of Change |
Constant |
Variable |
| Highest Power of x |
1 |
2 |
| Examples |
$y = 2x + 3$, $y = -x + 5$ |
$y = x^2 + 2x + 1$, $y = -3x^2 + 4$ |
π‘ Key Takeaways
- β Linear functions have a constant rate of change and form straight lines.
- π’ Quadratic functions have a variable rate of change and form parabolas.
- π’ The highest power of $x$ is 1 in linear functions and 2 in quadratic functions.