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How Can You Tell If You Have a Linear Equation?

Determine whether y = x2-4 is a linear equation.

Summary

  1. A linear equation must be able to fit the form Ax+By=C
  2. Our equation has an x2 in it
  3. x2 cannot be changed into the form Ax, as is in the form of a linear equation
  4. So our equation is NOT a linear equation

Notes

    1. A linear equation must be able to fit the form Ax+By=C
    1. A linear equation must be able to fit the form Ax+By=C, so if it can't, we know it is not a linear equation
    1. There is an x2 in our equation, which is not in the form of a linear equation: Ax+By=C
    1. There is an x2 in our equation, which is not in the form of a linear equation: Ax+By=C
    1. There is no way to change x2 into x1 and have the equation fit the form Ax+By=C
    1. There is no way to change x2 into x1 and have the equation fit the form Ax+By=C