College Math Resources - Topics in Precalculus

Functions of the form f(x)=mx+b are called linear functions because their graphs are straight lines. (Here, the letters m and b stand for numbers, often called "parameters", and each distinct choice of these numerical parameters gives a different line.)

If you have a Java-enabled browser, then you can use our Graph Explorer to see the effects of changing the parameters.  (Any Computer Algebra System or Graphing Calculator might do as well of course but the specific instructions would be a bit different.)

For guidance through a more detailed exploration you can work through our on-line lab on
Linear Functions.

This "game" gives you practice in finding a linear function whose graph includes two given points

There are a number of other sites which also deal with these ideas. (Please do let us know of any others that you find useful.)