Recall from Functions and Function Notation that a function is a relation that assigns to every element in the domain exactly one element in the range. Linear functions are a specific type of function that can be used to model many real-world applications, such as plant growth over time. In this chapter, we will explore linear functions, their graphs, and how to relate them to data.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>","rendered":" 4.1 Linear Functions<\/a><\/p>\n 4.2 Modeling with Linear Functions<\/a><\/p>\n Imagine placing a plant in the ground one day and finding that it has doubled its height just a few days later. Although it may seem incredible, this can happen with certain types of bamboo species. These members of the grass family are the fastest-growing plants in the world. One species of bamboo has been observed to grow nearly 1.5 inches every hour.[1]<\/sup><\/a> In a twenty-four hour period, this bamboo plant grows about 36 inches, or an incredible 3 feet! A constant rate of change, such as the growth cycle of this bamboo plant, is a linear function.<\/p>\n Recall from Functions and Function Notation that a function is a relation that assigns to every element in the domain exactly one element in the range. Linear functions are a specific type of function that can be used to model many real-world applications, such as plant growth over time. In this chapter, we will explore linear functions, their graphs, and how to relate them to data.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/ccacollegealgebra\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/234\/2025\/04\/4-intro-300x149.jpeg\")
Chapter Outline<\/h2>\n