DS Linear Functions

As a data scientist, understanding mathematical functions is crucial for making and interpreting predictions.

Linear Functions

In mathematics, a function represents the relationship between two variables. For example, calorie burnage depends on average pulse, making it the dependent variable, while average pulse is the independent variable. This relationship can often be expressed mathematically with a formula.

A linear function involves one independent variable (x) and one dependent variable (y), and is expressed in the following form:

This function is used to calculate the value of the dependent variable by selecting a value for the independent variable.

Explanation:

• f(x): The output (dependent variable).
• x: The input (independent variable).
• a: The slope, which is the coefficient of the independent variable. It indicates the rate at which the dependent variable changes.
• b: The intercept, which represents the value of the dependent variable when x = 0. It is also the point where the line intersects the vertical axis.