Question

How can I tell if something is linear or nonlinear?

Answer 1

Linear growth means that the y value increases by the same amount for each increase in the x value.

Example:

`y=2x`

y increases by 2 for every increase in x.

This will be a straight line when graphed.

Counter-example:

`y=x^2`

y increases by a different amount for each increase in x.

This will be a curved line when graphed.

Answer 2

When something is linear it will meet the criteria, on a graph it will be a straight line, it won't have any curves in it.

When something is nonlinear it doesn't fit the criteria, on a graph it will be curved, never straight

Hope this helps ;)

Explanation: