How do you determine a function is linear or exponential? - Answers

To determine if a function is linear or exponential, examine its formula or the relationship between its variables. A linear function can be expressed in the form (y = mx + b), where (m) and (b) are constants, resulting in a constant rate of change. In contrast, an exponential function has the form (y = ab^x), with a variable exponent, indicating that the rate of change increases or decreases multiplicatively. Additionally, plotting the data can help; linear functions produce straight lines, while exponential functions create curves.