Question

what does the 4 in v=4t+2 tell you about this situation ?

Answer 1

This is a linear equation. In a linear equation, the coefficient on the variable (t in this case) is called the slope, and indicates how fast the function (v in this case) is growing relative to the variable.

So the slope of 4 means that v grows 4 times as fast as t, or, in other words, that for every increase of 1 in t, v increases by 4.

Answer 2

great answer and what does the 2 signify?

Answer 3

Thanks! The two is a vertical shift. If you just had v = 4t, it would go through the origin (the point (0, 0)) while increasing 4 times faster then t. In this case, it goes through (0, 2) instead.

Visually:


versus

Answer 4

understood and thanks - I am a first time user - is there something I should do to give your answer a rating?

Answer 5

Honestly, I haven't been here for too long, but I think you click "Best Response" or something that says "medal".

Answer 6

Glad I could help!