Linear Function

What Does Linear Function Mean?

A linear function is a mathematical expression which, when graphed, will form a straight line. A linear function is a simple function usually composed of constants and simple variables without exponents as in the example, y = mx + b.

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This type of function is popular in economics because of its simplicity and ease in handling.

Techopedia Explains Linear Function

A linear function is literally a formula for a straight line when solved and all the variables are replaced with constants. The base equation of a linear function is y = mx + b where:

  • “y” is the dependent variable; usually the one we are solving for so it is located to the left of the equal sign
  • “x” is the independent which we manipulate to get different result of y
  • “m” is the coefficient of the independent variable which determines the rate of change of “y”·
  • “b” is the constant term or the y intercept

In a linear equation, if you increment the independent variable and plot the points on a graph, you get a straight line.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…