Example 2 from Algebra and Trigonometry, 4.1 Linear Functions

Deciding Whether a Function Is Increasing, Decreasing, or Constant

Some recent studies suggest that a teenager sends an average of 60 texts per day3. For each of the following scenarios, find the linear function that describes the relationship between the input value and the output value. Then, determine whether the graph of the function is increasing, decreasing, or constant.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501465_162-57400228-501465/teens-are-sending-60-texts-a-day-study-says/

ⓐThe total number of texts a teen sends is considered a function of time in days. The input is the number of days, and output is the total number of texts sent.
ⓑA teen has a limit of 500 texts per month in his or her data plan. The input is the number of days, and output is the total number of texts remaining for the month.
ⓒA teen has an unlimited number of texts in his or her data plan for a cost of $50 per month. The input is the number of days, and output is the total cost of texting each month.

Work it out on paper first. Then open the solution one step at a time, and stop as soon as you can finish on your own.

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Solution
Analyze each function.
1. ⓐThe function can be represented as $f (x) = 60 x$ where $x$ is the number of days. The slope, 60, is positive so the function is increasing. This makes sense because the total number of texts increases with each day.
2. ⓑThe function can be represented as $f (x) = 500 - 60 x$ where $x$ is the number of days. In this case, the slope is negative so the function is decreasing. This makes sense because the number of texts remaining decreases each day and this function represents the number of texts remaining in the data plan after $x$ days.
3. ⓒThe cost function can be represented as $f (x) = 50$ because the number of days does not affect the total cost. The slope is 0 so the function is constant.

How did it go?

Solution

Solution