g(x) = 4x − 5 is a linear function (graph is a straight line), with slope 4. Knowing how to identify the slope is an essential skill.
If g(x) is represented by this table:
x f(x)
−1 −6
0 −3
1 0
and we have a reasonable expectation that this is a linear function, then we can choose any 2 points and find the slope of the line connecting them. For example, we'll find the slope connecting (-1, -6) and (1,0).
0-(-6)
It is: m = ------------ = 3
1-(-1)
So the slopes of these 2 linear functions are not the same.
The equation of g(x) is y = 3x - 3. In the table, note that when x=0, y= -3.
The y-intercept -3 of g(x) is identical to the y-intercept -3 of f(x).
