1. On a graph, a linear relationship would make a straight line. Also b in this equation is equal to the y intercept. The y intercept is where the line on a graph intersects with the y axis. M is the coefficient and represents the rate of change.

2a. It can be used to solve a problem by showing you the pattern in the numbers otherwise known as a linear equation. On a graph, you could tell if it was linear by looking to see if it makes a straight line. I can look up an x value and determine the corresponding y value. In a table, you would see a pattern in the numbers; either increasing or decreasing.

2b. I have used an equation to solve a problem such as Emile and Henri's walking rate. Emile’s equation for walking y=2.5x and Henri’s equation for walking y=x+45. I wanted to see who made it to 75 meters first. So I plugged in 75 for both equations as the y value. Then, I worked backwards. For Emile's equation, 75/2.5 and got 30 seconds. For Henri's equation, 75-45 and got 30 seconds so they both get to 75 at the same time.