linear function

noun

1

: a mathematical function in which the variables appear only in the first degree, are multiplied by constants, and are combined only by addition and subtraction

2

: linear transformation

Examples of linear function in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s a tour of the sheaf of straight lines, or linear functions, over the real line. — Konstantin Kakaes, Quanta Magazine, 19 July 2024

There are six algebra modules, for example, including ones about linear functions, quadratics, and exponentials. — IEEE Spectrum, 22 July 2023

And a linear function can't model complex real-world phenomena. — Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, 18 Dec. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for linear function

• eigenfunction
• multifunction
• adjunction
• compunction
• conjunction
• disjunction
• dysfunction
• injunction
• malfunction
• heterojunction
• junction
• unction

Kids Definition

linear function

noun

: a function whose graph is a straight line and which is represented by an equation of the form y = ax + b where a and b are constants, a does not equal zero, and x is any real number