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JEE Main 2026 Preparation: Question Papers, Solutions, Mock Tests & Strategy Unacademy » JEE Study Material » Mathematics » Linear functions

Linear functions

Linear functions, linear functions graph examples, how to do linear functions step by step, Linear functions are algebraic equations with straight-line graphs and unique slope and y-intercept values.

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A function in mathematics is a relation with the property that every input is associated to exactly one output. Linear functions are extremely important. Furthermore, they appear in several equation forms. A linear function is one that has one or two variables but no exponents. On the coordinate plane, this function represents a straight line. If the function has extra variables, they must be constant in order to stay in the same linear function condition.

Definition:

 A linear function is an algebraic function that produces a straight line in a coordinate plane. It is, in general, a polynomial function with a maximum degree of 1 or 0. Calculus and linear algebra are also used to express linear functions. The main distinction is in the function notation. An ordered pair stated in function notation is required.

A linear function has the formulaf(x) = mx + b, where m and b are real values.

A linear function is a function that represents the coordinate plane as a straight line. For instance, y =3x – 2 indicates a straight line on a coordinate plane and thus a linear function. This function can be expressed as f(x) = 3x – 2 since y can be replaced with f(x).

Where, The slope of the line is’m’ and the y-intercept is ‘b.’

The independent variable is ‘x.’

The dependent variable is ‘y’ (or f(x)

Linear Function Equations

The parent linear function is f(x) = x, which is a line running through the origin. a linear function equation is f(x) = mx + b, and here are some examples.

For example:

f(x) = 5x – 4 

f(x) = -3x – 0.3 

f(x) = 5 

Linear functions graph examples

In Linear functions graph, Take any two points on a linear function and find the corresponding values of the other variable by assuming some random numbers for the dependent or independent variable. Simply draw a line connecting the 2 points.

To begin, locate the two points (x1,x2)and  (y1,y2) that fulfil the equation y = mx+b.

Put these points on a graph or the X-Y axis.

To connect the two locations in the plane, draw a straight line.

Furthermore, the slope of a linear function is calculated as m=y2-y1x2-x1

Example: 1 Draw the following linear equation: 2 x + 2 y = 2

 Solution: Assume that x = 0 and solve for y.

2 0+ y = 2  

y = 2 

Substitute y = 0 and solve for x.

 2x + 0 = 2

2x = 2

x = 1 

Draw a graph with the x and y intercept points (0, 2) and their intersections (1,0)

Connect the two locations using a straight line.

How to do linear functions step by step

A linear function is one that has the formula f(x) = ax+ b. It appears to be a standard linear equation, however instead of y, the linear function notation is f. (x). You would be given the value of f(x) and asked to find x to solve a linear function.

Step for how to solve linear function given below:

  1. Fill in the value of f(x) in the issue. In this instance: 3x – 1 = 8

  2. Remove the variable. In this situation, you add 1 to both sides to isolate the variable term before moving the constant term over the equal sign using the reverse operation. As a result

8 + 1 = 3x – 1 + 1

9 = 3x

  1. Isolate the variable further. In this situation, divide both sides by 3 to isolate the variable itself. As a result:

93 = 3×3

  1. Simplify. So we have

x = 3

Because this is a linear function, the final answer should be in function form.

f(x) = 3x – 1, f(3) = 8.

Linear Function properties

  • A variable is a symbol in an expression that represents a quantity.

  • The steepness of a linear function represents the rate at which it deviates from a reference.

  • Linear functions can be growing, decreasing, horizontal, or vertical in direction.

  • A decreasing linear function has a slope that is negative. As a result, if m0, then f(x) = mx + b decreases.

  • A rising linear function is one with a positive slope. As a result, when  m>0, f(x)=mx+b increases.

  • The y-intercept is the value of a function when the input value is zero. It is referred to as the beginning value.

Conclusion

We learned in this article that the term linear function refers to two distinct but related concepts: A linear function in calculus and related fields is a function whose graph is a straight line, that is, a polynomial function of degree zero or one. In economics, the linear function is often used. It is appealing because it is simple and straightforward mathematically. It has a wide range of applications. Linear functions have a straight line as their graph.

 
faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the JEE Examination Preparation.

Define linear function?

Ans. Linear functions have a straight line as their graph. The following is the form of a linear function. ...Read full

To correctly draw a graph, rewrite the following function as ordered pairs. f(3)=-2, f(-8)=-4.

Ans. The function described above can be written as (3, -2)...Read full

How Do You Draw a Linear Function Graph ?

Ans. To graph a linear function, take any two points on it and find the corresponding values of the other variable b...Read full

What is the definition of a Linear Function Equation?

Ans. The slope-intercept form is the linear function equation. As a result, it is written as ...Read full

Describe the Step-by-step instructions for solving linear equations

Ans. Begin by transferring the numbers with a variable attached to one side of the equation and the numbers without ...Read full

Ans. Linear functions have a straight line as their graph. The following is the form of a linear function. y = f(x) = a+bx There is one independent variable and one dependent variable in a linear function. x is the independent variable, and y is the dependent variable.

Ans. The function described above can be written as (3, -2) and (-8, -4).

Ans. To graph a linear function, take any two points on it and find the corresponding values of the other variable by assuming some random numbers for the dependent or independent variable. Simply plot those two spots and connect them with a line that extends on both sides.

Ans. The slope-intercept form is the linear function equation. As a result, it is written as f(x) = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the line’s y-intercept.

Ans. Begin by transferring the numbers with a variable attached to one side of the equation and the numbers without a variable attached to the other side of the equation to solve a simple linear equation. To transfer a number to the opposite side, remove it from both sides.

 

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