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A line passes through the points, ( −2 , −15 ) and ( 2 , −3 ) . Find the equation of a perpendicular line that passes through the point, ( 6 , 4 ) .

y = 1 3 x + 6

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Access this online resource for additional instruction and practice with linear functions.

Key concepts

  • Linear functions can be represented in words, function notation, tabular form, and graphical form. See [link] .
  • An increasing linear function results in a graph that slants upward from left to right and has a positive slope. A decreasing linear function results in a graph that slants downward from left to right and has a negative slope. A constant linear function results in a graph that is a horizontal line. See [link] .
  • Slope is a rate of change. The slope of a linear function can be calculated by dividing the difference between y -values by the difference in corresponding x -values of any two points on the line. See [link] and [link] .
  • An equation for a linear function can be written from a graph. See [link] .
  • The equation for a linear function can be written if the slope m and initial value b are known. See [link] and [link] .
  • A linear function can be used to solve real-world problems given information in different forms. See [link] , [link] , and [link] .
  • Linear functions can be graphed by plotting points or by using the y -intercept and slope. See [link] and [link] .
  • Graphs of linear functions may be transformed by using shifts up, down, left, or right, as well as through stretches, compressions, and reflections. See [link] .
  • The equation for a linear function can be written by interpreting the graph. See [link] .
  • The x -intercept is the point at which the graph of a linear function crosses the x -axis. See [link] .
  • Horizontal lines are written in the form, f ( x ) = b . See [link] .
  • Vertical lines are written in the form, x = b . See [link] .
  • Parallel lines have the same slope. Perpendicular lines have negative reciprocal slopes, assuming neither is vertical. See [link] .
  • A line parallel to another line, passing through a given point, may be found by substituting the slope value of the line and the x - and y -values of the given point into the equation, f ( x ) = m x + b , and using the b that results. Similarly, the point-slope form of an equation can also be used. See [link] .
  • A line perpendicular to another line, passing through a given point, may be found in the same manner, with the exception of using the negative reciprocal slope. See [link] and [link] .

Section exercises

Verbal

Terry is skiing down a steep hill. Terry's elevation, E ( t ) , in feet after t seconds is given by E ( t ) = 3000 70 t . Write a complete sentence describing Terry’s starting elevation and how it is changing over time.

Terry starts at an elevation of 3000 feet and descends 70 feet per second.

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Jessica is walking home from a friend’s house. After 2 minutes she is 1.4 miles from home. Twelve minutes after leaving, she is 0.9 miles from home. What is her rate in miles per hour?

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A boat is 100 miles away from the marina, sailing directly toward it at 10 miles per hour. Write an equation for the distance of the boat from the marina after t hours.

d ( t ) = 100 10 t

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Source:  OpenStax, College algebra. OpenStax CNX. Feb 06, 2015 Download for free at https://legacy.cnx.org/content/col11759/1.3
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