7.

ALGEBRA

LINEAR FUNCTIONS
A criminologist discovered that, in a big city, if the number of police on street patrol was increased,
the number of crimes committed decreased. She noticed the following pattern:
Number of police 50 150 200 250 300

Number of crimes (per month) 3100 2800 2650 2500 2350

Is it possible for the criminologist to find an algebraic formula to fit this pattern? Algebraic modelling
is the study of relationships and the formulation of a mathematical rule or model to describe such
relationships.

CHAPTER OUTLINE
A2 7.01 Graphing linear functions
A2 7.02 The gradient formula
A2 7.03 Linear modelling
A2 7.04 Direct linear variation
A2 7.05 Conversion graphs
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL:
• graph linear functions of the form y = mx + c
• find the gradient and y-intercept of a line from its graph
• use linear functions to model practical situations and interpret the meaning of the gradient and
y-intercept of the line in context
• graph and solve problems involving direct linear variation
• interpret and apply linear conversion graphs

iStock.com/Connel_Design
 TERMINOLOGY
constant of variation conversion graph dependent variable
direct linear variation gradient independent variable
linear function linear modelling proportional to
rise run vertical intercept
y-intercept

WS
SkillCheck
Assignment
Homework 7

1 Graph this table of values on a number plane and rule a line through the points.

x −1  0 1 2
y −4 −1 2 5

2 Copy and complete each of these tables of values using the given formula.
a y = 2x + 7 b y = −x − 4
x −1 0 1 2 x −1 0 1 2
y y

3 If y = mx + c, find the value of c if x = 2, y = 5 and m = 3.

4 If y = kx:
a find the value of y if k = 0.7 and x = 4
b find the value of k if x = 2.5 and y = 10.

5 Given the formula V = −450t + 2575:

a find the value of V if:
i t = 3 ii t = 4.2.
b find the value of t if:
i V = 1450 ii V = 10.

290 NCM 11.  Mathematics Standard (Pathway 2) ISBN 9780170413565

7.01 Graphing linear functions WS

The formula or equation y = 3x − 2 is called a linear function because its graph is a straight Drawing gradients
Homework
line. Linear means ‘of a line’, while a function is an algebraic rule similar to the ‘number
machine’ shown below, that changes an input value, x, into an output value, y.
WS

Function: y = 3x − 2 Graphing
Homeworklinear
input output functions
x=5 process y = 13

WS
A line has a gradient (the measure of its steepness) and a y-intercept (the value where the
line crosses the y-axis). A page of number
Homework
planes

WS
Gradient of a line
The gradient of a line is given by the formula: Graphing
Homework lines:
graphics calculator

rise ( ↑ )
m=
run ( → ) rise
• The rise is the vertical change in Graphing linear
Skillsheet
equations

position (going up).

run
• The run is the horizontal change in position
(going across to the right).

EXAMPLE 1
WS
a Copy and complete this table of values for the linear function y = 3x − 2.
Gradient
Homework and
y-intercept
x −1 0 1 2 3
y WS

b What pattern do you notice in the y values in the bottom row of the completed table? y = mx + c
Homework

c Graph y = 3x − 2 on a number plane.

d Find the gradient and y-intercept of the line you drew in part c.

ISBN 9780170413565 7. Linear functions 291

 Solution

a
x −1 0 1 2 3
y −5 −2 1 4 7

b The y values increase by 3 each time.

c Use the (x, y) ordered pairs from the table to y
y = 3x − 2
graph the points: (−1, −5), (0, −2), (1, 1), (2, 4), (3, 7). 7
Then rule and label the line through the points. 6
3
5
d Choose two points on the line, say (1, 1) and (2, 4).
4
1
5 3
3
2
4 1
1
–2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 x
3 –1
rise 3 –2
y-intercept
2 –3
–4
1 –5
run 1

0 1 2 3

rise 3
Gradient ( m ) = = =3
run 1
The y-intercept is −2.

Linear function
Gradient and
A linear function has the form y = mx + c, where m is the gradient and c is the
y-intercept of a line
y-intercept.
y = mx + c y = 3x − 2

y-intercept y-intercept −2
gradient gradient 3

292 NCM 11.  Mathematics Standard (Pathway 2) ISBN 9780170413565

 EXAMPLE 2

a Complete this table of values for the linear function y = −2x + 4.

x −1 0 1 2 3
y

b What pattern do you notice in the y values in the completed table?

c Graph y = −2x + 4 on a number plane.
d Find the gradient and y-intercept of the line you drew in part c.

Solution

a
x −1 0 1 2 3
y 6 4 2 0 –2

b The y values decrease by 2 each time.

c y
7
6
5 1
4
3 –2
2
1

–2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 x
–1
–2
y = –2x + 4

d Using points (0, 4) and (1, 2):

rise −2
Gradient ( m ) = = = −2
run 1
The y-intercept is 4.

Positive and negative gradients

A line with a positive gradient slopes upwards (from left Positive
to right) because its y values are increasing. A gradient of 3 gradient
means that, for each 1 unit we move across, the line goes
up 3 units or, as the x values increase by 1, the y values
increase by 3.
x

Graph sloping upwards

ISBN 9780170413565 7. Linear functions 293

 A line with a negative gradient slopes downwards (from y
left to right) because its y values are decreasing. A negative
gradient has a ‘negative rise’, or a ‘drop’. A gradient of –2
means that, for each unit we move across, the line goes
down 2 units, or as the x values increase by 1, the y values
decrease by 2.

Graph sloping downwards

EXAMPLE 3

Graph each linear function after finding its gradient and y-intercept.
2
a y = 2x + 1 b y = −4x c y =  x − 4
3
Solution
a Gradient = 2, y-intercept = 1
To graph the line:
• plot the y-intercept, 1, on the y-axis y
5
• indicate a gradient of 2 from this point, y = 2x + 1
4
by moving across 1 unit and up 2 units
3
and marking that point
2 2
• rule a line through both points you marked 1
1
• draw arrows at the ends and label the line –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 x
–1
with its equation.
–2
b Gradient = −4, y-intercept = 0
To graph the line:
y
• plot the y-intercept, 0, at the origin 1
1
• indicate a gradient of −4 from –2 –1 0 2 3 4 x
–1
this point, by moving across 1 unit
–2 –4
and down 4 units and marking that point
–3
• rule a line through both points you marked, –4 y = –4x
add arrows and label.

294 NCM 11.  Mathematics Standard (Pathway 2) ISBN 9780170413565

 2
c Gradient = , y-intercept = − 4
3
To graph the line:
• plot the y-intercept − 4 on the y-axis y
1
• indicate a gradient of 3 from this point,
by moving across 3 units and up 2 units –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 x
–1
and marking that point y = 2x − 4
–2 3
• rule a line through both points you marked, –3 2
add arrows and label. –4
3

Exercise 7.01 Graphing linear functions

WS

1 Write the equation of the line with:

A page of
Homework

a gradient 3, y-intercept 7 b gradient −2, y-intercept 1 number planes

1 1
c gradient 1, y-intercept −1 d gradient , y-intercept WS
3 2
5
e gradient − , y-intercept 0 f gradient 0, y-intercept 5 Number plane
Homework
grid paper
4
2 Graph each linear function. Example
1
a y = 4x − 3 b y = x + 2 c y=x−2 1
2
3
d y = −2x e y = 2x − 5 f y= x−1 Example

5 2
4 1
g y = −x + 4 h y = x + 1 i y= x+3
3 4 Example

3
3 What is the gradient of this line? Select A, B, C or D. y
1 1 4
A B − 3
3 3
2
C 3 D −3
1

–2 –1 0 1 2 x
–1

–2

ISBN 9780170413565 7. Linear functions 295

 4 Find the gradient and y-intercept of each line below, and write its equation.
a y b y c y
4 4 4
3 3 3
2 2 2
1 1 1

–2 –1 0 1 2 x –2 –1 0 1 2 x –2 –1 0 1 2 x
–1 –1 –1
–2 –2 –2
–3 –3

d y e y f y
4 4 2
3 3 1
2 2
–2 –1 0 1 2 x
1 1 –1
–2
–2 –1 0 1 2 x –2 –1 0 1 2 x
–1 –1
–2 –2

g y h y i y
3 2 1
2 1
–1 0 1 2 3 x
1 –1
–1 0 1 2 3 4 x
–1 –2
–2 –1 0 1 2 x
–1 –2 –3
–2 –3 –4

INVESTIGATION

GRADIENTS
a What does a line with a gradient of 0 look like?
b What does a line with a gradient of 1 look like?
c What does a line with a gradient of −1 look like?
d What is the highest gradient a line can have?

296 NCM 11.  Mathematics Standard (Pathway 2) ISBN 9780170413565

 DID YOU KNOW?

Steep roads and hills

Australia is a fairly flat continent but in Europe road
signs often display the steepness of a road for drivers
(or the steepness of a hill for hikers).
Consider this example:

5.8

1
For this example, the steepness is , also written as
5.8
‘1 : 5.8’ or ‘1 in 5.8’.
Bulli Pass, north of Wollongong, has a gradient of
1
while Victoria Pass, east of Lithgow, has a
6

Shutterstock.com/Bennian
1
gradient of . Which pass is steeper?
8

8
A gradient of 8% (that is ) means a rise of
100
8 units for every 100 units of run.

7.02 The gradient formula

The formula for the gradient of a line is useful if:
• the coordinates of two points on the line are given, or
• a table of values is given.

Gradient formula
rise ( ↑ ) change in y
m= =
run ( → ) change in x

ISBN 9780170413565 7. Linear functions 297

 EXAMPLE 4

Find the gradient of each line.

a b c
(–1, 8) (3, 2) (8, 2)
(10, 5)

(4, 3)

(3, 0)

Solution

change in y
a m =
change in x
5−3
=
10 − 4
2
=
6
1 1
= A gradient of is not steep.
3 3
0−8
b  =
m
3 − ( −1)
−8
=
4
= −2 Negative gradient, the line slopes downward
2− 2
c m=
8−3
0
=
5
= 0 Zero gradient line is flat

EXAMPLE 5

Find the gradient of the line represented by each table of values.

a x 0 4 8 20
y 5 11 17 35

b x 2 6 9 12
y 4 −8 −17 −26

298 NCM 11.  Mathematics Standard (Pathway 2) ISBN 9780170413565

 Solution

a
Choose any two points from the table, say (0, 5) and (4, 11):
change in y
m =
change in x
11 − 5
=
4−0

6
=
4
3
=
2 3
The gradient is .
2
b Using (2, 4) and (6, −8) from the table:
−8 − 4
 m =
6−2
−12
=
4
 = −3 Negative gradient (y decreases as x increases)

Exercise 7.02 The gradient formula

1 Find the gradient of each line. Example

a b (0, 2) c 4
(4, 5) (11, 15)

(2, 0)

(5, 3)

(2, 1)

d (6, 8) e f
(11, 19)
(9, 9)
(10, 6)

(14, 4)
(4, 2)

g h i
(19, 7)
(4, 6) (9, 22)
(1, 3)

(0, 3)
(6, 10)

ISBN 9780170413565 7. Linear functions 299

 Example
2 Find the gradient of the line represented by each table of values.
5 a x 0 4 7 10 b x 1 5 7 12
y −1 11 20 29 y 1 21 31 56

c d x 1 3 6 8
x 0 8 12 20
y 3 5 6 8 y 7 3 −3 −7

e x 0 10 25 40 f x 2 8 14 16
y −4 2 11 20 y 4 1 −2 −3

7.03 Linear modelling

WS
Scientists and researchers observing patterns in nature and society often use a mathematical
Finding the equation
Homework
of a line formula to represent a real-life situation. This is called algebraic modelling and if the
relationship uses the linear function y = mx + c, it is called linear modelling.
PS
Dependent and independent variables

Dependent variable
Linear functions code
puzzle
Because the value of y depends on the value of x, y is called the
dependent variable and x is called the independent variable.
When a function is graphed, the independent variable is shown on
the horizontal axis, while the dependent variable is shown on the
Independent variable
vertical axis.

Interpreting the gradient and the y-intercept

The gradient measures the steepness of a line, +1 +1 +1 +1

but it also shows how quickly the y-values x −1 0 1 2 3

are changing.
y −9 −4 1 6 11
Look at this table of values for y = 5x − 4: +5 +5 +5 +5
As the x values increase by 1, the y values increase by 5.
If this linear function is graphed, for every ‘run’ of 1 unit, there is a ‘rise’ of 5 units, giving a
5
gradient of = 5.
1

The gradient and y-intercept

• The gradient of a linear function is the rate of change of y.
• The higher the gradient, the steeper the line, and the faster y increases relative to x.
• The y-intercept is the value of y when x = 0.

300 NCM 11.  Mathematics Standard (Pathway 2) ISBN 9780170413565

 EXAMPLE 6
Linear modelling
Brett is organising a 21st birthday party. The total cost of the party will include $200 for
hiring the hall, $120 for the music and $14 per person for catering. The table below shows
the total cost, $C, for different numbers of guests, n, attending the party.

Number of guests, n 80 100 120 130 150

Party cost, $C 1440 1720 2000 2140 2420

a Which variable, n or C, is the dependent variable?

b Find the gradient of the linear relationship between n and C.
c Find the vertical intercept of this linear relationship. Vertical intercept is the more
general name for the
d Write the linear function for C in terms of n. y-intercept, because linear
functions can use variables
e If this function was graphed, which variable would other than x and y.
be shown on the horizontal axis?
f What does the vertical intercept of this function represent?
g Find the cost of the party if there were 95 guests.

Solution

a C, because C depends on n.
b Choosing the ordered pairs (80, 1440) and (100, 1720) from the table:
1720 − 1440 280
m= = = 14
100 − 80 20
The gradient is 14.
c The linear function is: C = mn + c
The gradient is: m = 14 From the answer to part b
So: C = 14n + c
To find the value of c, the vertical intercept, substitute an ordered pair into the
function.
Substitute (100, 1720):
1720 = 14(100) + c
1720 = 1400 + c
c = 320
The vertical intercept is 320.
This formula should work for the
d The function is C = 14n + 320. other ordered pairs in the table.

e n, because it is the independent variable.

ISBN 9780170413565 7. Linear functions 301

 f The vertical intercept, 320, is the value of C when n = 0, which is the cost of the party
if there are no guests attending. This makes sense because it is the total fixed cost of
hiring the hall and the music ($200 + $120).
g Substitute n = 95 into the function:
C = 14n + 320
= 14(95) + 320
= 1650
The cost for the party with 95 guests is $1650.

EXAMPLE 7

A criminologist discovered that the number of crimes committed per month, C, in a

big city decreased as the number of police officers, P, patrolling the city increased.
After graphing her data on a number plane, she found the linear relationship to be
C = −3P + 3250.
a What is the independent variable in this relationship?
b Copy and complete this table for the equation C = −3P + 3250.

Number of police, P 50 150 200 250 300

Crimes per month, C

c Graph C = −3P + 3250 on the number plane.

d What is the gradient of the graph you drew in part c and what does it represent?
e What is the vertical intercept of the graph you drew in part c and what does it
represent?
f Calculate how many crimes are committed when 100 police officers are on patrol.
g Calculate how many police officers are required to reduce the number of crimes
to 1900.

Solution

a P, because C depends on P.

b Number of police, P 50 150 200 250 300

Crimes per month, C 3100 2800 2650 2500 2350

302 NCM 11.  Mathematics Standard (Pathway 2) ISBN 9780170413565

 c Crimes and police patrols

3500
(50, 3100)
3000 (150, 2800)
(200, 2650)

Crimes per month, C

2500 (250, 2500)
C = –3P + 3250 (300, 2350)

2000

1500

1000

500

0
50 100 150 200 250 300
Number of police patrolling, P

d From the equation, the gradient is −3 and it represents the rate of change in crime as
the number of police increases. As the number of police increases by 1, the number
of crimes decreases by 3.
e The vertical intercept is 3250, and this represents the number of crimes if no police
officers were on patrol. It is the value of C when P = 0.
f Substitute P = 100:
C = −3P + 3250
C = −3(100) + 3250
= 2950
2950 crimes are committed when 100 police are on patrol.
g Substitute C = 1900:
C = −3P + 3250
1900 = −3P + 3250
−3P = −1350
−1350
P=
−3
= 450
450 police officers are required to reduce the number of crimes to 1900.

ISBN 9780170413565 7. Linear functions 303

 Exercise 7.03 Linear modelling

Example
1 This is a matchstick pattern of houses.
6

One house uses Two houses use Three houses use

6 matches. 11 matches. 16 matches.

a Copy and complete this table for the pattern above.

Number of houses, h 1 2 3 4 5 6
Number of matches, N

b What is the dependent variable?

c Find the linear relationship in the form N = mh + c.
d How many matches are required to make 20 houses?
e How many houses can be made from 81 matches?
f Graph the linear function on a number plane.
g Write the gradient and the vertical intercept of the graphed line.

2 This table shows the cost, C cents, of mobile phone calls under the Oz-Zone Budget
Plan, for calls of different lengths, t minutes.

Length of call, t (min) 1 2 5 10 15

Cost, C (cents) 102 182 422 822 1222

a Find the linear relationship in the form C = mt + c.

b If this function was graphed on a number plane, which variable would be shown
on the vertical axis?
c Use the relationship you found in part a to calculate the cost of an 18-minute call.
d What is the vertical intercept of this function and what does it represent?
e If a phone call is extended by 3 minutes, by how much would its cost increase?
f How long is a phone call under this plan if it cost $5.82?

304 NCM 11.  Mathematics Standard (Pathway 2) ISBN 9780170413565

 3 A cricket team’s progressive score during a Scores for a one-day cricket match
one-day cricket match can be approximated by
the linear function graphed here.
200
A one-day match has 50 overs, where an over (44, 198)

Scores, S (runs)
is a set of 6 balls bowled by the same bowler. 150 (36, 162)
The variable, n, represents the number of
overs bowled, while S represents the total 100 (24, 108)
number of runs scored by the batting team. (18, 81)
50
a Is S the dependent variable or the (8, 36)
independent variable? 0
10 20 30 40 50
b Find the formula for S in terms of n.
Number of overs, n
c The gradient of this linear function is also
the team’s run rate. What is the gradient of the function and in what units is this
run rate measured?
d What is the vertical intercept and what does it represent?
e What was the score after:
i the 21st over? ii the 50th over?
f At the end of which over had the score reached:
i 54 runs? ii 180 runs?
g The graph for a real cricket match would not be a straight line but would normally
flatten out later in the innings. Why?

4 The value of a notebook computer depreciates according to the formula Example

V = −420t + 1900, where V is the value in dollars and t is the time in years. 7
a Copy and complete this table for the formula V = −420t + 1900.

Time, t (years) 1 2 3 4
Value of computer, V ($)

b Graph this linear relationship on a number plane.

c What does the gradient of this linear function represent?
1
d What was the value of the computer after 2 2 years?
e What was the original value of the computer?
f This linear model does not work when t = 5 and beyond. Why not?
g Find, correct to one decimal place, the time when the computer has zero value.

ISBN 9780170413565 7. Linear functions 305

 5 Yasmin works for a pizza shop and, each day, she earns a base pay of $50, plus $3 for
every pizza she delivers.
a If n is the number of pizzas Yasmin delivers in a day and P is her total pay in dollars,
write a formula for P in terms of n.
b If this linear function was graphed, which variable would be represented on the
horizontal axis?
c What is the vertical intercept of this function and what does it represent?
d How much will Yasmin earn for delivering 28 pizzas in a day?
e If Yasmin earned $98 today, how many pizzas did she deliver?

6 This table shows the linear relationship between distances measured in miles and
distances measured in kilometres.

Miles, M 15 25 30 45
Kilometres, K 24 40 48 72

a Graph this linear relationship on a number plane.

b Find the equation of the line.
c What can you say about the value of the vertical intercept? Why?
d What is the gradient and what does it represent?
e Use your equation from part b to convert:
i 100 miles to kilometres ii 100 km to miles.
f Use your graph from part a to convert:
i 12 miles to kilometres ii 20 kilometres to miles.

7 This graph shows the linear Running costs of a truck

relationship between the distance,
d km, travelled by a truck and the 35

running costs, $C, for the trip. 30

25
Cost, C ($)

a What is the dependent variable? (30, 25.2)

20
b Find the gradient and the
15 (18, 16.8)
vertical intercept of this linear
relationship. 10
(6, 8.4)
5
c Write the formula for this linear
relationship. 0
3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30
d If the length of a trip is extended Distance, d (km)
by 5 km, by how much will the
charge increase?
e Calculate the running costs for a trip of length:
i 20 km ii 0 km.
f Calculate the distance travelled if the running costs were $37.80.

306 NCM 11.  Mathematics Standard (Pathway 2) ISBN 9780170413565

 8 During summer, crickets chirp faster at night if the temperature is higher. There is a
linear relationship between the temperature and a cricket’s chirping rate, shown in the
table below.

Temperature, T (°C) 12 15 19 22 28
Chirp rate, n (chirps/min) 72 96 128 152 200

a Is T the dependent variable or the independent variable?

b Find the linear function for n in terms of T.
c Graph the linear function you found in part b.
d If the temperature increases by 2°C, what happens to the crickets’ chirp rate?
e Find the chirp rate of a cricket when the

Shutterstock.com/COLOA Studio
temperature is 26°C.
f At what temperature does a cricket chirp
144 times per minute?
g What is the vertical intercept of this function?
Why doesn’t the linear model work for this value?

7.04 Direct linear variation

Ann-Marie noticed that, with her new car, she could drive a distance of 567 km on a full tank
of petrol (42 litres). She also discovered the results shown in the table below.

Amount of petrol used, p (L) 10 14 22 32 36 42

Distance travelled, d (km) 135 189 297 432 486 567

When she graphed these values, Anne-Marie found a linear relationship.

This relationship must be of the form Distance travelled and petrol used
d = mp + c, but the vertical intercept is 0
because, when p = 0, d = 0 (no petrol, no 550 (42, 567)
distance). So the linear function is d = mp. 500
(36, 486)
To find the value of m, substitute any point 450
Distance travelled, d (km)

(32, 432)
from the table into the equation, for example 400
(10, 135). 350
300
  d = mp (22, 297)
250
135 = m (10) 200
(14, 189)
m = 10 150
(10, 135)
100
= 13.5
50
∴ The linear function is d = 13.5p.
0
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Amount of petrol, p (litres)
Choose another point from the table to check that this formula is correct.

ISBN 9780170413565 7. Linear functions 307

 Because d = 13.5p, the distance, d, is found by multiplying the amount of petrol, p, by a
constant amount, 13.5. This is an example of direct linear variation, and we can say that
‘d varies directly as p’, or that ‘d is directly proportional to p’.

Direct linear variation

If y varies as x, or y is directly proportional to x, then y = kx, where k is a constant.
k is called the constant of variation or constant of proportionality.

A direct linear relationship exists between x and y. If x increases (or decreases), y increases (or
decreases). If x is doubled (or halved), y is doubled (or halved).

EXAMPLE 8

The mass, M (in kilograms), of a metal varies directly as its volume, V (in cubic
centimetres).

Volume, V (cm3) 0 48 60 80 116 140

Mass, M (kg) 0 14.4 18 24 34.8 42

a Graph the relationship between M and V.

b Find the equation for M in terms of V.
c Find the mass of 212 cm3 of the metal.

Solution

a Metal mass

40 (140, 42)
35
(116, 34.8)
30
Mass, M (kg)

25
(80, 24)
20
15 (60, 18)
(48, 14.4)
10
5

20 40 60 80 100 120 140

Volume, V (cm3)

308 NCM 11.  Mathematics Standard (Pathway 2) ISBN 9780170413565

 b M = kV
Substituting (60, 18) from the table to find k:
18 = k(60)
18
k=
60
3
=
10 Choose another point from the
table to check that this formula
3V is correct.
∴M = (or M = 0.3V)
10
c Substitute V = 212 into the formula.
3(212)
M=
10
= 63.6
The mass of the metal is 63.6 kg.

EXAMPLE 9

The stretch, S (in centimetres), of a spring varies as the mass, M (in kilograms), of the load
pulling it. A load of 24 kg causes the spring to stretch 15 cm.
a Find the variation equation relating S to M.
b What is the stretch caused by a load of 13 kg?
c What is the mass of the load that will cause a stretch of 25 cm?
d What is a limitation of this linear model?

Solution

a S = kM
Substitute M = 24 and S = 15 to find k.
15 = k(24)
15
k=
24
5
= (or 0.625)
8
5M
∴S = (or S = 0.625M)
8

ISBN 9780170413565 7. Linear functions 309

 b When M = 13:
5(13)
S=
8
= 8.125
A stretch of 8.125 cm is caused by a load of 13 kg.
c When S = 25:
5M
25 =
8
5M = 200
M = 40
A 40 kg load will cause a stretch of 25 cm.
d For a very heavy load, the spring will become permanently stretched and will not
return to its original length when the load is removed.

Linear variation problems

To solve a linear variation problem:
1 Identify the two variables (say x and y) and form a variation equation, y = kx.
2 Substitute values for x and y to find k, the constant of variation.
3 Rewrite y = kx using the value of k.
4 Substitute a value for x or y into y = kx to solve the problem.

Example Exercise 7.04 Direct linear variation

8
1 Copy and complete this table after finding the value of k in y = kx.

x 1 4 6 10 11 15
y 14 21 52.5

Example 2 The distance travelled by a bicycle varies directly with the number of revolutions made
9 by the pedals.
a Form a variation equation and find the constant of variation, given that the bicycle
travels 55 metres for 20 revolutions of the pedals.
b Calculate the distance travelled for 33 revolutions of the pedals.
c Calculate the number of revolutions of the pedals required for the bike to
travel 99 metres.

310 NCM 11.  Mathematics Standard (Pathway 2) ISBN 9780170413565

 3 The increase in pressure experienced by a scuba diver is directly proportional to her
depth under the water. The increase in pressure at 25 m is 147 kilopascals (kPa).
a Form a variation equation.
b What increase in pressure is experienced at 40 m?
c At what depth is the increase in pressure 833 kPa?

4 The graph illustrates the fact that the mass of fuel Fuel consumption of plane
an aeroplane requires varies directly with the
distance it flies. 600

a Form a variation equation, using a point on the 500

Fuel, F (kg)
graph to find the constant of variation. 400

b Use the equation to calculate the amount of fuel 300

required to fly 3250 km. 200

100

0
100 200 300
Distance, d (km)

5 A speed expressed in km/h is directly proportional to the same speed expressed in

miles/h.
Speed in miles/h, x 30 36 45 50 62.5 74
Speed in km/h, y 48 57.6 72 80 100 118.4

a Find the equation for this table of values.

b Convert 60 miles/h to km/h.
c Convert 120 km/h to miles/h.

6 For an object that is cooling, the drop in temperature varies directly with time. If the
temperature drops 8°C in 5 minutes, which of the following is the amount of time it
would take for the temperature to drop 10°C? Select A, B, C or D.
A 6.25 min B 7 min C 12.8 min D 16 min

7 The volume, V litres, of water in a Volume in a tank

tank as it is filled is proportional to the
time taken t minutes, as shown on the 640
graph. 560
a Find the constant of variation. 480
Volume, V (L)

b What does the constant you found 400

in part a represent? 320

c Calculate the amount of water in 240

the tank after 8 minutes. 160

d Calculate how long it takes to 80

pump 960 L of water into the tank. 0

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Time, t (min)

ISBN 9780170413565 7. Linear functions 311

 8 The distance travelled by a marathon runner varies directly with time.
a If he covers 9.75 km in 45 minutes, calculate how long it will take him to run 26 km.
b What is a limitation of this linear model?

9 The weight of an astronaut on Mars is proportional to his weight on Earth. A 72 kg

astronaut weighs 27.4 kg on Mars.
a Calculate how much a 60 kg astronaut weighs on Mars, correct to one decimal
place.
b If an astronaut weighs 32 kg on Mars, calculate his weight on Earth, correct to one
decimal place.

10 Nick noticed that, during his road trip, the amount of petrol used by his car varied with
the amount of time he drove. It consumed 45 L of petrol in 4 hours. How long, to the
nearest minute, will Nick’s car take to consume 100 L of petrol?

11 The download time of a computer file is directly proportional to the size of the file. If a
file of 1800 kilobytes requires 36 seconds to download, calculate:
a how long it will take to download a 3000 kilobyte file
b the size of a file that requires 80 seconds to download.

12 The compression of a car spring is proportional to the force applied. A force of

200 N (newtons) causes a compression of 1.6 cm. Which of the following amounts of
compression is caused by a 5000 N force? Select A, B, C or D.
A 25 cm B 40 cm C 62.5 cm D 200 cm

13 At 3:30 p.m. one day, the shadows of objects of Shadows of objects of different heights
different heights were measured, then graphed.
350
a Find the equation of the line. (250, 325)
300
b Calculate the length of the shadow of a
Shadow, S (cm)

250
lamppost of height 244 cm.
200
c What is the height of a letterbox, correct
150
to the nearest centimetre, if its shadow is
120 cm long? 100
50
14 When an object is dropped under gravity, its
0
speed varies with time. Its speed after 5 seconds 100 200 300
is 49 m/s. Height of object, h (cm)

a Find its speed after 12 seconds.

b Calculate the time taken to reach a speed of 175 m/s (to the nearest second).
c What is a limitation of this linear model?

312 NCM 11.  Mathematics Standard (Pathway 2) ISBN 9780170413565

7.05 Conversion graphs WS

A conversion graph is used to convert between different units, such as between metric and Currency conversion
Homework
imperial units, or between currencies in foreign currency exchange. graph

EXAMPLE 10

This conversion graph converts between feet (an imperial unit) and centimetres
(a metric unit).
Converting feet to centimetres

200

180

160

140
Metric length (cm)

120

100
(b)
80

60

40
(a)
20

0
0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6
Imperial length (feet)

a Kylie is 5 feet tall. What is her height in centimetres?

b A doorway is 85 cm wide. Convert this to feet, correct to one decimal place.
c The gradient of the line in the conversion graph is 30.5. What does this value represent?

Solution

a Reading from the graph: 5 feet = 152 cm

b Reading from the graph: 85 cm = 2.8 feet
c The gradient represents the rate of change of centimetres per foot: 30.5 cm = 1 foot

ISBN 9780170413565 7. Linear functions 313

 Exercise 7.05 Conversion graphs

Example 1 Use the conversion graph from Example 10 to answer the following questions.
10 a A bookshelf is 3.5 feet tall. What is its height in centimetres?
b Michael is 180 cm tall. Convert this height to feet, correct to one decimal place.
c Convert each length to centimetres.
i 2 feet ii 2.5 feet iii 6 feet
d Convert your own height to feet and inches, given that 1 foot = 12 inches.

2 This currency conversion graph converts between the euro (€) and the Australian
dollar (A$).
Converting between Australian dollars and Euros

180

160
(100, 144)
140
Australian dollars ($A)

120

100

80

60

40

20

(0, 0)
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Euros ( )

Convert each European price to Australian dollars.

a a smart watch €88 b theme park entry €36
c a mobile phone €76 d a camera €52
e a city tour €25 f car hire per day €42

3 The conversion graph from Question 2 can also be used to convert small amounts.
For example, from the graph: €46 = A$66. So it is also true that €0.46 = A$0.66.

Use the graph to help you convert each of the following prices to Australian dollars.
a a can of drink €1.20 b posting a letter €0.80
c 30 min of Internet use €3.40 d a newspaper €1.25

314 NCM 11.  Mathematics Standard (Pathway 2) ISBN 9780170413565

 4 Use the conversion graph from Question 2 to convert each of the following Australian
prices to euros.
a a movie DVD A$24 b a cordless phone A$76
c a soccer ball A$32 d a computer desk A$130
e an exercise bike A$108 f fish and chips A$7.50

5 Calculate the gradient of the currency conversion graph in Question 2, correct to two
decimal places. What does this value represent?

6 This height–weight graph shows the healthy weight range (shaded) for Australian adults
of different heights.
Height–weight graph

80

75
Overweight

70

65 ne
ht li
eig
’w
Healthy weight (kg)

60 eal
‘Id
Underweight
55

50

45

40

35

30

0
140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180 185 190
Height (cm)

a Find the ‘ideal’ weight of a person whose height is:

i 180 cm ii 155 cm iii 192 cm.
b Find the height of a person with an ‘ideal’ weight of:
i 72 kg ii 58 kg iii 80 kg.
c Calculate the gradient of the ‘ideal’ weight line. What rate does this gradient value
represent?

ISBN 9780170413565 7. Linear functions 315

 7 This graph converts marked prices to discount prices for a sale at Angry Andy’s Bargain
Basement.

Sale price conversion

90

80

70

60
Discount price ($)

50

40

30

20

10

0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Marked price ($)

a Find the discount price of an item with a marked price of:

i $60 ii $28 iii $82.
b Find the marked price of an item with a discount price of:
i $25 ii $80 iii $54.
c Calculate the gradient of this graph. What does the gradient value represent?
d Which of the following is the percentage discount given at Angry Andy’s Bargain
Basement? Select A, B, C or D.
A 5% B 10% C 15% D 85%

316 NCM 11.  Mathematics Standard (Pathway 2) ISBN 9780170413565

 8 The graph below converts between pounds (an imperial unit of mass, with abbreviation
‘lb’) to kilograms (the metric unit).

Pounds to kilogram conversion

100

90

80

70
Metric weight (kg)

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 225
Imperial weight (lb)

a Convert each of these masses to kilograms.

i 90 lb ii 135 lb iii 160 lb
b Convert each of these masses to pounds.
i 40 kg ii 64 kg iii 90 kg
c What is the conversion rate in kg/lb?

ISBN 9780170413565 7. Linear functions 317

 SAMPLE HSC PROBLEM

Mr and Mrs Dillon give their children weekly pocket money according to a function
based on the age of the child, as shown in the table below.

Age, n years 7 9 10 13 15 18
Pocket money, $P 4 12 16 28 36 48

a Find the formula for P in terms of n.

b What is the gradient for this function and what does it stand for?
c What is the pocket money for a child aged 16?
d What is the age of the child who receives $20 per week?
e According to Mr and Mrs Dillon, this linear model holds true only for values of n
from 7 to 18. Why do you think the formula is not valid for values of n:
i below 7? ii above 18?

Study tip
Attacking your weak areas
Most of your study time should be spent on attacking your weak areas to fill in any gaps
in your Maths knowledge. Don’t spend too much time on work you already know well,
unless you need a confidence boost! Ask your teacher, use study guides or other textbooks
to improve the understanding of your weak areas and to practise Maths skills. Use your
topic summaries for general revision, but spend longer study periods on overcoming any
difficulties in your mastery of the course.

318 NCM 11.  Mathematics Standard (Pathway 2) ISBN 9780170413565

 7. CHAPTER SUMMARY

This chapter, Linear functions, introduced the concept of the linear function and its graph
and applications. Learn the meanings of the gradient and vertical intercept of a linear
function and practise solving problems involving linear modelling, variation
and conversion graphs.
Make a summary of this topic. Use the outline at the start of this chapter as a guide. An
incomplete mind map is shown below. Use your own words, symbols, diagrams, boxes and
reminders. Gain a ‘whole picture’ view of the topic and identify any weak areas.

Gradient
and
vertical
intercept
Linear
modelling

LINEAR
Graphing
linear
FUNCTIONS
functions

Direct
linear
variation

Conversion
graphs

ISBN 9780170413565 7. Linear functions 319

 7. TEST YOURSELF

Exercise 1 Graph each of these linear functions on a number plane.

7.01
a y = −2x + 1 b y = 4x

2 Find the equation of each of these lines.

Exercise

7.01 a y b y
3 1
2
–1 0 1 2 3 x
1 –1
–2
–1 0 1 2 3 4 x
–1 –3
–2 –4

3 Find the gradient of each of these lines.

Exercise

7.02 a b (1, 17)

(10, 18)

(5, 5)

(4, 3)

4 Find the gradient of the function for each of these tables of values.
Exercise

7.02 a
x 0 4 6 12
y 12 14 15 18
b
x 2 5 9 11
y 42 30 14 6
5 The length, L inches, of a shoe has a linear relationship with the size, S, of the shoe.
Exercise

7.03
Shoe size, S 2 5 7 8 12
2 1
Length, L (inches) 9 10 10 11 12
3 3
a Which is the independent variable?
b Graph this linear relationship.
c What is the gradient, and what does this represent?
d How long is a shoe of size 0? How is this shown on the graph?
e What is the formula for L in terms of S?
f What is the length of a shoe of size 7 12 ?
g What size is a shoe of length 13 inches?

Exercise 6 The distance travelled by a car is directly proportional to the number of rotations of its
7.04 tyres. If 950 metres are travelled after 540 rotations, calculate how much distance, to the
nearest kilometre, is covered after 10 000 rotations.

320 NCM 11.  Mathematics Standard (Pathway 2) ISBN 9780170413565

 7 This currency conversion graph converts between Thai baht (the currency of Thailand) Exercise

and Australian dollars (A$). 7.05

a Convert each of these Thai prices to Australian dollars (to the nearest dollar).
i 800 baht ii 2450 baht
b Convert each of these Australian prices to Thai baht (to the nearest 50 baht).
i A$65 ii A$82
c Calculate the gradient of this graph, correct to two decimal places. What does this
value represent?
Converting Thai baht to Australian dollars

100

90

80

70
Australian dollar ($A)

60

50

40

30

20

10

0 Qz
250 500 750 1000 1250 1500 1750 2000 2250 2500 2750
Thai baht Chapter quiz

ISBN 9780170413565 7. Linear functions 321