Chapter 4 Linear functions

In this chapter, students will focus on the rates of change, or slopes, of linear functions. They learn that a linear function has a constant rate of change. They will calculate slope from graphs, tables, and equations of linear functions. Later students will study nonlinear functions, whose rates of change are not constant. This will lead to the concept of an average rate of change over an interval. It may be difficult for students to identify or distinguish between the effects of some transformations to a linear graph. For example, in many cases, a reflection of a line can also be viewed as a rotation or a translation. For this reason, focus primarily on vertical translations of lines and the connection between a vertical translation and the function’s y-intercept. Other transformations will become clearer when students study nonlinear functions.

Common Core: CC.9-12.F.IF.6* CC.9-12.F.BF.3