2007-09-12 14:07:40 · 2 answers · asked by wwwwwwweeeeee 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
A linear equation is a line. Usually if the highest exponent is one (like "x", not x^2), then it is linear. X^2 is a parabola, X^3 is a continuous function from neg infinity to positive infinity, but has an arc, and X^4 is a parabola. Sq rt of x is a half parabola in the first quadrant on the x-axis. Knowing your graphs and equations will help.
2007-09-12 14:23:46 · answer #1 · answered by james w 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A linear equation in two variables is an equation of the form ax + by + c = 0. Notice, there are no exponents higher than 1 on the variables, There are no roots of variables, and there are no negative exponents on the variables. The graph of a linear equation in two variables is a line.
Examples: 2x - 3y + 7 = 0 is linear; 2x^3 -y + 7 = 0 is not, 4x + 7/y + 7 = 0 is not, and x + sqrt(y) - 8 = 0 is not.
2007-09-13 19:05:31 · answer #2 · answered by Tony 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋