Question
upstudy study bank question image url

9 Levi determined that \( y=2 \) is NOT a linear function because it does not take the form \( y=m x+b \). a. Explain why Levi's reasoning is incorrect. b. How else could Levi have determined whether the graph was linear or nonlinear?

Ask by Hilton Hamilton. in the United States
Mar 11,2025

Upstudy AI Solution

Tutor-Verified Answer

Answer

Levi's reasoning is incorrect because \( y=2 \) is actually a linear function. It can be written as \( y = 0x + 2 \), which fits the form \( y = mx + b \). Alternatively, Levi could have recognized that the graph of \( y=2 \) is a horizontal straight line, confirming it's linear.

Solution

1. **Part a** Levi's reasoning is incorrect because the function \( y=2 \) can be expressed in the form \( y = mx + b \) by writing it as \[ y = 0x + 2. \] Here, \( m=0 \) and \( b=2 \). Even though the slope is zero, the function is still linear. 2. **Part b** Another way Levi could have determined that the graph is linear is by noticing that the graph of \( y=2 \) is a horizontal line. Since every horizontal line is straight and has a constant rate of change (zero slope), it meets the definition of a linear graph.

Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor

error msg
Explain
Simplify this solution

Mind Expander

Levi's reasoning is incorrect because the equation \( y=2 \) represents a horizontal line where the output \( y \) is always 2, regardless of the input \( x \). This still fits within the broader definition of a linear function, as it can be expressed in the slope-intercept form with \( m=0 \) and \( b=2 \). Linear functions can indeed take any constant form, making \( y=2 \) linear! To determine if a graph is linear or nonlinear, Levi could check how the values change when inputting different values for \( x \). If the change in \( y \) remains constant (which it does in this case since \( y \) is always 2), the graph is linear. Alternatively, plotting multiple points could visually show whether the relationship forms a straight line or curves.

Try Premium now!
Try Premium and ask Thoth AI unlimited math questions now!
Maybe later Go Premium
Study can be a real struggle
Why not UpStudy it?
Select your plan below
Premium

You can enjoy

Start now
  • Step-by-step explanations
  • 24/7 expert live tutors
  • Unlimited number of questions
  • No interruptions
  • Full access to Answer and Solution
  • Full Access to PDF Chat, UpStudy Chat, Browsing Chat
Basic

Totally free but limited

  • Limited Solution
Welcome to UpStudy!
Please sign in to continue the Thoth AI Chat journey
Continue with Email
Or continue with
By clicking “Sign in”, you agree to our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy