MAT-144 · Mathematical Reasoning Topic 01 · Linear Functions
Topic 01 · Welcome

Welcome to Linear Functions.

This week is about three ideas that show up everywhere once you notice them: functions, slope, and linear modeling. By Sunday you'll write functions, read slope from a table, and use a linear equation to predict numbers your gut already half-knows.

You'll also start using Excel. The Excel moves are small but they make every other week of this course possible. If Excel feels rusty, lean on the Scribe walkthroughs.

Start Lesson 01 Topic overview

By the end of this week, you'll be able to:

  • Explore the basics of functions and their uses.
  • Use spreadsheet applications: functions, cell references, and basic graphing.
  • Use rounding and estimation to solve application problems.
  • Apply deductive and inductive reasoning to solve problems.
  • Define the slope as a rate of change.
  • Use linear modeling to predict outcomes from data.

Four phases, in order. Don't skip ahead — each one sets up the next.

Phase 01 · Mini lessons
6 lessons
≈ 3 hours total
  • L01 · What is a function?
  • L02 · Two ways to reason
  • L03 · Close enough
  • L04 · Slope as a rate of change
  • L05 · Linear modeling and prediction
  • L06 · Spreadsheets, the finale
Phase 02 · Discussions
2 DQs
≈ 2 hours total
  • DQ 1 · Basic Excel Formulas, Cell References
  • DQ 2 · Slope as Rate of Change, Linear Modeling
Phase 03 · ALEKS Review
6 questions
≈ 2 hours · 35 pts
  • Q1 · Rounding decimals
  • Q2 · Writing ratios
  • Q3 · Solving proportions
  • Q4 · Graphing a line
  • Q5 · Slope-intercept equation from m and b
  • Q6 · Reading a linear model

Plan for the whole week. These are typical times, not maximums — go faster if it clicks, slower if you're getting stuck.

Mini lessons (6) ≈ 3 h
Discussions (2 DQs) ≈ 2 h
ALEKS review (6 questions) ≈ 2 h
Total ≈ 7 h

You won't get through every lesson on the first try. Here's where to look:

Cheat sheet
Topic 1 cheat sheet →
Key formulas, common mistakes, quick reference. Printable.
Glossary
Topic 1 glossary →
Every vocab term in one study sheet, lesson by lesson.
Interactive tools
Tools & resources →
1 interactive playground for hands-on practice.
Walkthroughs
Each DQ + MA component has a Scribe walkthrough.
Watch once, then build it on your own.

Ready to start?

Start Lesson 01