Linear modeling

Math

Definition

The process of using a linear equation (y = mx + b) to represent a real-world relationship between two variables. The slope represents the rate of change and the y-intercept represents the starting value.

Examples

  • A phone plan charging $25/month plus $0.05/text: C = 25 + 0.05t
  • Modeling population growth at a constant rate of 500 people per year
  • Predicting the cost of a taxi ride based on distance: C = 3.50 + 1.75d

Related Terms

Slope-intercept form Line of best fit Point-slope form Exponential models

Study This Concept

Practice linear modeling with free review games in these units:

Algebra 1 Unit 4: Writing Linear Equations