Graphing Linear Functions: 3 Practical Examples

Understanding Graphing Linear Functions

Graphing linear functions is an essential skill in algebra that helps visualize relationships between variables. A linear function can be represented by the equation of a line, typically in the form of y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept. In this guide, we’ll explore three diverse examples of graphing linear functions that provide practical applications for everyday scenarios.

Example 1: Budgeting Your Monthly Expenses

Context: Imagine you want to track your monthly expenses against your income. You earn $3,000 a month and want to see how your expenses compare as they increase over time.

To represent this situation, you can create a linear function where:

• x = the number of months
• y = total expenses

Assuming your expenses increase by $500 each month, you can express your function as:

Function:
y = 500x

Graphing: To graph this function, plot the following points:

• Month 0 (x = 0): y = 500(0) = 0 (Point: (0, 0))
• Month 1 (x = 1): y = 500(1) = 500 (Point: (1, 500))
• Month 2 (x = 2): y = 500(2) = 1000 (Point: (2, 1000))
• Month 3 (x = 3): y = 500(3) = 1500 (Point: (3, 1500))

Once plotted, draw a line connecting the points to visualize how your expenses rise over three months.

Notes: You can modify the slope (the amount your expenses increase each month) to see how it affects your budget.

Example 2: Distance Traveled Over Time

Context: Suppose you are on a road trip and want to understand how far you will travel over time at a constant speed of 60 miles per hour.

You can create a linear function where:

• x = the time in hours
• y = the distance traveled in miles

Function:
y = 60x

Graphing: To graph this function, plot the following points:

• At 0 hours (x = 0): y = 60(0) = 0 (Point: (0, 0))
• At 1 hour (x = 1): y = 60(1) = 60 (Point: (1, 60))
• At 2 hours (x = 2): y = 60(2) = 120 (Point: (2, 120))
• At 3 hours (x = 3): y = 60(3) = 180 (Point: (3, 180))

Connect the points with a line to see how your distance increases with time.

Notes: You can change the speed to see how it affects the graph. For instance, if you travel at 75 miles per hour, the function would be y = 75x.

Example 3: Predicting Sales Growth

Context: A new coffee shop opens and expects to sell coffee at a rate of 20 cups per day, increasing by 10 cups each day for the first month.

You can express this with a linear function where:

• x = the number of days
• y = total cups sold

Function:
y = 10x + 20

Graphing: Plot the following points:

• Day 0 (x = 0): y = 10(0) + 20 = 20 (Point: (0, 20))
• Day 1 (x = 1): y = 10(1) + 20 = 30 (Point: (1, 30))
• Day 2 (x = 2): y = 10(2) + 20 = 40 (Point: (2, 40))
• Day 3 (x = 3): y = 10(3) + 20 = 50 (Point: (3, 50))

After plotting the points, draw a line to visualize how sales grow over the first few days.

Notes: You can adjust the initial sales or growth rate to see different scenarios. For example, if sales start at 15 cups instead of 20, the function becomes y = 10x + 15.

By understanding these examples of graphing linear functions, you can apply similar methods to various real-life situations, enhancing your problem-solving skills in algebra!