16Hit1600
AlgebraEasy–MediumFunction from a slope and one value

Algebra practice question

A linear function f has a slope of 3, and f(2) = 5. Which equation defines f?

  1. A. f(x) = 3x − 1Correct
  2. B. f(x) = 3x + 5
  3. C. f(x) = 3x + 2
  4. D. f(x) = 2x + 3

Answer: A. f(x) = 3x − 1

f(x) = 3x + b. From f(2) = 5: 6 + b = 5, so b = −1. f(x) = 3x − 1.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. f(x) = 3x + 5
3x + 5 uses the given value 5 as the intercept; but f(2) = 11 then, not 5.
C. f(x) = 3x + 2
3x + 2 uses the input 2 as the intercept; f(2) would be 8.
D. f(x) = 2x + 3
2x + 3 has slope 2, but the slope is 3.

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