Question

which of the contexts below could not be modeled by a linear function?
answer
a car depreciates at a rate of 3.4% per year.
an amusement park charges $4.50 to go on each of the rides.
jamal puts $35 a month into a savings account.
a taxi charges a flat fee of $3.50 for pick - up, then an additional fee of $1.25 per mile.

Explanation:

A linear function has a constant rate of change (constant slope).

• The amusement park ride cost has a constant per-ride rate, so it is linear.
• The savings account has a constant monthly deposit, so it is linear.
• The taxi fare has a flat fee plus a constant per-mile rate, so it is linear.
• Car depreciation at a percentage rate is exponential (value is multiplied by a constant factor each year, not changed by a fixed amount), so it cannot be modeled by a linear function.

Answer:

A. A car depreciates at a rate of 3.4% per year.