Definition

A function is linear if there is a single unique x that corresponds to each y.

Linear

$ y=e^x $
Linear ECE301Fall2008mboutin.jpg
This function is linear because for each y value has only one corresponding x value.

Nonlinear

$ y=x^4 $
Nonlinear ECE301Fall2008mboutin.jpg
This function is not linear because for every y value there are two possible x values that could produce the same result.

Alumni Liaison

Basic linear algebra uncovers and clarifies very important geometry and algebra.

Dr. Paul Garrett