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Linear and Nonlinear Functions (page 1)

Linear functions have graphs that are straight lines. The rate of change between any two points is constant.
Nonlinear functions are functions whose rates of change are NOT constant—their graphs are not straight lines.
We can determine if a function is linear or nonlinear by inspecting a table of values, a graph, and/or the equation.

Example: Determine whether each table represents a linear or nonlinear function.

x y x y
+2 2 −1 +3 0 0
+2 +2
4 2 x y 2 2 x y
+2 +3 +2 +4 +4
6 5 +2 1 1 +8 4 6 4 2 −2
+2 8 8 +3 3 9 +2 6 12 +6 +4 8 0
−2
+2 5 25 +16 12 −2
+2 7 49 +24 +4 16 −4 −2
Linear. As x
increases by 2, y Nonlinear. As x
increases by 3. The Nonlinear. As x increases increases by 2, y
by 2, y increases by a increases by a greater Linear. As x increases
rate of change is
greater amount each time. amount each time. The by 4, y decreases by 2
constant.
The rate of change is NOT rate of change is NOT each time. The rate of
constant. constant. change is constant.

Example: Determine whether each graph represents a linear or nonlinear function.

Nonlinear. Linear. Linear. Nonlinear.

Graph is not a Graph is a Graph is a Graph is not a
straight line straight line straight line straight line

Example: Determine whether each equation represents a linear or nonlinear function. Remember
that all linear functions can be written in the slope-intercept form.
x 3
=
y 3x − 5 =y 2( x − 3) y= −2 y= +4 y = 3x
3 x

Linear. In
Linear. In
slope Linear. Can be Nonlinear.
Linear. Can be slope
-intercept rewritten in slope Cannot be
rewritten in slope -intercept
form. -intercept form. rewritten in slope
-intercept form. form.
-intercept form.
 Linear and Nonlinear Functions (page 2)
Determine whether each table, graph or equation represents a linear or nonlinear function.
Explain.

1. 2. y = 2 x2 3. x y
1 4
2 8
2. 3 12
4 16

3.
1. (answer & explanation)

5. 6.
4. x
x 1 2 3 4 y= +6
2
y 1 2 6 24

6.
4.

5.

9.
7. x y
8. 1 4
2x + y =
5 2 0
3 −4
4 −8
8.

7. 9.