Finding the Correct Linear Equation

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 144 views

Introduction

In mathematics, a linear equation is a type of equation in which the highest power of the variable(s) is 1. It is a fundamental concept in algebra and is used to model various real-world situations. In this article, we will explore how to select the correct linear equation from a given table of values.

Understanding the Table

The table provided above shows a set of values for the variables x and y. Each row in the table represents a specific value of x and the corresponding value of y.

x	y
0	3
3	15
7	31
10	43

Identifying the Pattern

To select the correct linear equation, we need to identify the pattern in the table. Let's examine the values of y for each value of x.

For x = 0, y = 3
For x = 3, y = 15
For x = 7, y = 31
For x = 10, y = 43

We can see that the value of y increases by 12, 16, 12, and 12 for each increase in x by 3, 4, 3, and 3, respectively. This suggests that the relationship between x and y is not a simple linear relationship.

Analyzing the Differences

Let's analyze the differences between the values of y for each value of x.

For x = 3, y = 15 - 3 = 12
For x = 7, y = 31 - 15 = 16
For x = 10, y = 43 - 31 = 12

We can see that the differences between the values of y are 12, 16, and 12, respectively. This suggests that the relationship between x and y is not a simple linear relationship.

Finding the Correct Linear Equation

To find the correct linear equation, we need to find a relationship between x and y that satisfies the given values. Let's try to find a linear equation of the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.

Option A: y = 2x + 1

Let's try to find the slope (m) and y-intercept (b) for the linear equation y = 2x + 1.

For x = 0, y = 2(0) + 1 = 1 (not 3)
For x = 3, y = 2(3) + 1 = 7 (not 15)
For x = 7, y = 2(7) + 1 = 15 (not 31)
For x = 10, y = 2(10) + 1 = 21 (not 43)

This linear equation does not satisfy the given values.

Option B: y = 2x + 3

Let's try to find the slope (m) and y-intercept (b) for the linear equation y = 2x + 3.

For x = 0, y = 2(0) + 3 = 3 (matches the given value)
For x = 3, y = 2(3) + 3 = 9 (not 15)
For x = 7, y = 2(7) + 3 = 17 (not 31)
For x = 10, y = 2(10) + 3 = 23 (not 43)

This linear equation does not satisfy the given values.

Option C: y = 2x + 5

Let's try to find the slope (m) and y-intercept (b) for the linear equation y = 2x + 5.

For x = 0, y = 2(0) + 5 = 5 (not 3)
For x = 3, y = 2(3) + 5 = 11 (not 15)
For x = 7, y = 2(7) + 5 = 19 (not 31)
For x = 10, y = 2(10) + 5 = 25 (not 43)

This linear equation does not satisfy the given values.

Option D: y = 2x + 3 + 2x

Let's try to find the slope (m) and y-intercept (b) for the linear equation y = 2x + 3 + 2x.

For x = 0, y = 2(0) + 3 + 2(0) = 3 (matches the given value)
For x = 3, y = 2(3) + 3 + 2(3) = 15 (matches the given value)
For x = 7, y = 2(7) + 3 + 2(7) = 31 (matches the given value)
For x = 10, y = 2(10) + 3 + 2(10) = 43 (matches the given value)

This linear equation satisfies the given values.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct linear equation that corresponds to the table above is y = 2x + 3 + 2x, which can be simplified to y = 4x + 3. This equation satisfies the given values and represents a linear relationship between x and y.

Final Answer

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored how to select the correct linear equation from a given table of values. We analyzed the differences between the values of y for each value of x and found that the relationship between x and y is not a simple linear relationship. We then tried different linear equations to find the one that satisfies the given values.

Q&A Session

Q: What is the main difference between a linear equation and a non-linear equation? A: A linear equation is a type of equation in which the highest power of the variable(s) is 1, whereas a non-linear equation is a type of equation in which the highest power of the variable(s) is greater than 1.

Q: How do I identify the pattern in a table of values? A: To identify the pattern in a table of values, you need to examine the values of y for each value of x. Look for any consistent differences or ratios between the values of y.

Q: What is the significance of the slope (m) in a linear equation? A: The slope (m) in a linear equation represents the rate of change of the variable y with respect to the variable x. It is a measure of how much y changes when x changes by 1 unit.

Q: How do I find the correct linear equation from a table of values? A: To find the correct linear equation from a table of values, you need to try different linear equations and see which one satisfies the given values. You can use the slope-intercept form of a linear equation (y = mx + b) to find the slope (m) and y-intercept (b).

Q: What is the y-intercept (b) in a linear equation? A: The y-intercept (b) in a linear equation is the value of y when x is equal to 0. It represents the point at which the line intersects the y-axis.

Q: Can a linear equation have a negative slope? A: Yes, a linear equation can have a negative slope. A negative slope indicates that the line slopes downward from left to right.

Q: How do I determine if a linear equation is a function or not? A: To determine if a linear equation is a function or not, you need to check if each value of x corresponds to only one value of y. If each value of x corresponds to only one value of y, then the linear equation is a function.

Q: What is the significance of the domain and range in a linear equation? A: The domain of a linear equation is the set of all possible values of x, while the range is the set of all possible values of y. The domain and range are important because they help to determine the behavior of the linear equation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the correct linear equation from a table of values requires careful analysis of the differences between the values of y for each value of x. It also requires trying different linear equations and seeing which one satisfies the given values. By understanding the concepts of slope, y-intercept, domain, and range, you can determine if a linear equation is a function or not.

Final Tips

Always examine the values of y for each value of x to identify the pattern in a table of values.
Use the slope-intercept form of a linear equation (y = mx + b) to find the slope (m) and y-intercept (b).
Try different linear equations and see which one satisfies the given values.
Understand the concepts of slope, y-intercept, domain, and range to determine if a linear equation is a function or not.

Additional Resources

For more information on linear equations, visit the Khan Academy website.
For more practice problems on linear equations, visit the Mathway website.
For more resources on mathematics, visit the Wolfram Alpha website.