Question 23·Medium·Linear Functions
| x | |
|---|---|
| 0 | |
| 2 | |
| 6 |
Some values of the linear function are shown in the table above. What is the value of ?
For table-and-linearity questions, first check that the function is truly linear by computing the slope between two pairs of points; if the slopes match, the rate of change is constant. Then use one point (often the one with if given) to find the y-intercept and write the equation in the form . Finally, substitute the requested -value to get , being careful with basic arithmetic to avoid losing time to small calculation errors.
Hints
Use the fact that the function is linear
A linear function has a constant rate of change: for each unit increase in , changes by the same amount. Use this idea with the values in the table.
Compute the slope from the table
Pick any two points from the table, such as and , and use the slope formula to find the rate of change.
Write the equation, then plug in 3
Once you know the slope, use and the fact that is given in the table to find . Then substitute into your equation for .
Desmos Guide
(Optional) Confirm the linear equation with a regression
Create a table in Desmos and enter the -values 0, 2, 6 in the first column and the corresponding -values , 4, 16 in the second column. Below the table, type y1 ~ m x1 + b to perform a linear regression. Desmos will display an equation of the form that best fits the points (it should match the exact line through them).
Use Desmos to evaluate the function at 3
Once you know the equation of the line from your work or from Desmos (for example, ), type that expression with into a new line, such as 3*3-2. The numerical result that Desmos outputs is the value of ; use that value to choose the correct answer option.
Step-by-step Explanation
Find the slope of the linear function
A linear function has a constant rate of change (slope). Use any two points from the table, for example and .
Compute the slope :
So the slope of the function is . This same slope also works between and , confirming the function is linear with slope .
Find the equation of the linear function
Use slope-intercept form for a linear function:
You already know . Use the point from the table to find :
So the equation of the function is
Evaluate the function at
Now substitute into the equation :
Therefore, the value of is , which corresponds to answer choice B.