Math Unit 4 Vocab

constant of variation for a direct variation

the nonzero constant k in the function y=kx

direct variation

a linear function defined by an equation of the form y=kx, where k does not equal 0

linear equation

An equation whose graph is a line

opposite reciprocals

A number of the form -b/a, where a/b is a nonzero rational number. The product of a number and its opposite reciprocal is -1.

parallel lines

Two lines in the same plane that never intersect. These lines have the same slope

perpendicular lines

Lines that intersect to form right angles. Two lines are this if the product of their slopes is -1.

point slope form

a linear equation of a nonvertical line written as
y - y1=m(x - x1). The line passes through the point (x1,y1) with slope m.

rate of change

the relationship between two quantities that are changing

slope

the ratio of vertical change to horizontal change

slope-intercept form

the slope-intercept form of a linear equation is y=mx+b, where m is the slope of the line and b is the y-intercept.

standard form of a linear equation

the standard form of a linear equation is Ax+By=C, where A,B, and C are real numbers and A and B are not zero