I know this is basic algebra, but I am a tutor at my local community college and I have been recently helping some students with linear functions and I am curious to know why it is that the numerator of the coefficient of the x term determines vertical change and why the denominator determines the horizontal change. I know how to use linear functions and formulas, but I have never had it explained in detail why they work as they do.

Question

I know this is basic algebra, but  I am a tutor at my local community college and I have been recently helping some students with linear functions and I am curious to know why it is that the numerator of the coefficient of the x term determines vertical change and why the denominator determines the horizontal change. I know how to use linear functions and formulas, but I have never had it explained in detail why they work as they do.

precal · Answer

post the problem, I have no idea what you are talking about

precal · Answer

maybe rise or run, slope?

precal · Answer

http://www.mathwarehouse.com/algebra/linear_equation/interactive-slope.php

precal · Answer

I thnk that is what you are talking about, I have attached a link for you to play with

precal · Answer

on openstudy, it is customary to respond to someone trying to help you

sburchette · Answer

I apologize, I got a phone call that I had to take. I know that the slope is rise over run, but I am trying to understand why the numerator is the rise and the denominator is the run.

precal · Answer

|dw:1339463130019:dw|

precal · Answer

|dw:1339463144013:dw|