heart of algebra section<\/a> on the sat math and head back here when you’re ready.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
in the most basic terms possible, functions relate a set of inputs with a set of outputs. usually, you will be able to spot a function when you see something like f(x) or g(x) instead of the usual y variable on one side of the equation.<\/p>\n
the key thing to remember about functions is that each input can only give you one output. for example, you can’t plug in 3 into a function and get two different answers. however, to different values of inputs can yield the same output.<\/p>\n
on a graph, an easy way to test whether or not a curve is a function is to use the vertical line test. if you draw an imaginary vertical line anywhere on the graph and it crosses the curve twice, then it is not a function. <\/p>\n
most linear equations will pass the vertical line test. the only situation that you have to look out for is a line that is perfectly vertical. in that case, it is not a function.<\/p>\n
the standard notation for a linear function is f(x) = kx + f(0). <\/p>\n
the f(x) is similar to what the y-variable represents in a linear equation. test makers can also call it the range or the output of the function.<\/p>\n
the k represents the slope. take a moment to recall the slope-intercept form and note the similarities between the two.<\/p>\n
the f(0) is the y-intercept, or where the line passes through the y-axis when x=0.<\/p>\n
the x-variable can be called the domain or the input. the x-variable is what you can control, and the y is the value that you get based on what you put in. <\/p>\n
don’t be overwhelmed by the verbiage. just remember that you’re dealing with basically the same thing as a linear equation. the key here is to get used to all the terms that the test makers can throw at you. \n <\/p>\n
new sat math: linear function graphs<\/h2>\n many problems you will encounter ask you to find a value of a certain coordinate point on a graph. in this case, f(x) corresponds to the y-axis and the x corresponds to the x-axis. <\/p>\n
all you have to do is go to a given spot on the curve see what the other coordinate equals. for example, if you see an ‘f(5)’, that means that you need to find what the y-coordinate is on the curve labeled \u201cf(x)\u201d where x = 5. <\/p>\n
new sat math: linear function tabular notation<\/h2>\n sometimes, you will be given a chart of a function and be expected to interpret it. the chart will only give you a few values to work with. <\/p>\n
you will easily be able to see whether or not there is a linear relationship between the input and outputs. by comparing a few values, there should be a linear trend going upward or downward.<\/p>\n
the key here is to make sure that you keep your variables, inputs, and outputs straight. if you do that, you can handle any function table that comes your way. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
for linear functions, you will need to use your linear equation skills to solve problems the new sat throws at you. develop those skills with this post.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":158,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[91],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[24918],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
new sat math: how to solve linear functions<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n