Ma 162 Finite Math
Fall 2006
Topics: linear models, systems of linear equations,
Matrix methods, linear optimization: graphical and simplex
methods, business math, counting problems and probability
problems.
Plane Analytic geometry: coordinate system, quadrants,
distance function. Solution set of an equation in two variables.
Lines: vertical, horizontal, nonvertical,
x-intercept of a line, y-intercept of a line.
Parallel lines, perpendicular lines
Linear function, slope, intercepts
General equation of a line in the plane
ax + by = c
a or b not zero.
Vertical line
Horizontal line
Problem: Suppose ax + by = c is the equation of a
nonvertical line. What is the slope of the line in terms of a, b,
c?
Problem: When does the line ax + by = c have an x-intercept
And what is it in terms of a, b, and c?
Many times the relationship between variables is linear.
Problem: Find the linear equation relating fahrenheit
temp F to centigrade temp C. Use the facts that C=0 when
F = 32 and C=100 when F = 212.