standard_description: Interpret the equation y = mx + b as defining a linear function, whose graph is a straight line; give examples of functions that are not linear. For example, the function A = s2 giving the area of a square as a function of its side length is not linear because its graph contains the points (1,1), (2,4) and (3,9), which are not on a straight line.
problem_activity: Problem 1
What is an equation of the line represented in the graph below?
[IMG]
Problem 2
Four lines were used to define the edges of the trapezoid shown below.
[IMG]
Write an equation for each line described below.
a.   Line that passes through points
$$A$$
and
$$B$$
b.   Line that passes through points
$$B$$
and
$$C$$
c.   Line that passes through points
$$C$$
and
$$D$$
d.   Line that passes through points
$$D$$
and
$$A$$
Problem 3
Optional: Play the memory
Matching Game
with linear equations and graphs. Note that this requires some advance preparation.
Directions for students:
Find a partner and clear off your desks.
Separate the cards into a pile with equations and a pile with graphs.
Turn the equation cards over and organize them into rows/columns on one desk.
Turn the graph cards over and organize them into rows/columns on another desk.
On the first person’s turn, turn over an equation card and a graph card. If the cards match, then the player gets to keep the cards. If they do not match, turn the cards over in the same spot. The turn is over.
NOTE: If the player believes she or he has a match, then the player must prove that there is a match. The other player has the option to disagree and explain why. If the other player is right (and the first player was mistaken), then the other player gets to keep the card and then take a turn.
Repeat step 5 for the second player’s turn.
The game is over when all cards have been matched. The person with the most number of pairs wins the round. Another round may be played.


aligns: no