Linear and Non Linear Functions

A linear function is a function whose graph in the coordinate plane is a non vertical line

A linear function can be represented as a linear equation or as a linear graph

A linear equation is an equation whose graph is a line. The solutions of the linear equation are the points that make up its graph

The value of each output y depends on the input x. y is called the dependent variable and x is called the independent variable

We can find the value of the unknown coordinates by either using graphs or using the function rule

The graph of a linear function is a non vertical line

The graph of a non linear function is not a straight line

For linear functions, when the difference between each successive input value is constant, the difference between each corresponding output value is constant

For non linear functions, when the difference between each successive input value is constant, the difference between each corresponding output value varies

For an equation y = function (x),

If x is squared, cubed, or raised to any power except 1, the function is NOT LINEAR.

If x is not raised to any such power, the function is LINEAR