This lesson helps students who are not already familiar with the slope-intercept form of a linear function, y = mx + b, to analyze how the values of m and b correspond to changes in y as x systematically increases. This analysis helps students identify linear function rules involving two operations. A function machine applet provides some engaging practice in determining these compound function rules. (sw)

With this lesson, students find the two-variable linear function that defines the relationship between points for specific x and y values. Using an online function machine applet, students enter x values. The applet returns related y values for the unknown linear function. Students use the information from multiple x and y pairs to determine the unknown linear function. The lesson and applet can help all beginning algebra students understand the relationship between points defined by x and y values and its related linear equation. The predictive power of linear functions when looking at relationships, such as change over time, can be particularly valuable for students in Agricultural and Environmental Systems, Engineering and Science Technologies, Business and Administrative Services, and Finance career fields. (jrs)