Prove linear function of a variable

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving properties of linear functions, specifically relating to the means and standard deviations of variables in a linear transformation context. The original poster presents a problem involving temperature data and seeks clarification on the relationship between the variables.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the definition of the linear function y = ax + b and its implications for the mean and standard deviation. Questions arise about the origin of y and its relationship to x, with examples provided to illustrate the concept of changing scales.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights into the definitions involved, while others are working through the mathematical relationships. There is an ongoing exploration of the properties of means and standard deviations in the context of linear functions, with no clear consensus yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions specific values for mean and standard deviation but does not provide complete data or context for the temperature measurements. The discussion is framed within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the depth of exploration.

Nyasha
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Homework Statement



In the data table they are noon-hour temperatures of a certain week.

datatable.jpg



I calculated the mean which is 25 and l also calculated the standard deviation which is 3.74. Now they want me to show that :

if [tex]y=ax+b[/tex] then [tex]\bar{y}=a\bar{x}+b[/tex] and [tex]s_{y}= \left| a\right|s_{x}[/tex]






The Attempt at a Solution




I don't know where they get this y from. Can you give me hints on how to solve this question ?
 
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Hi Nyasha! :smile:
Nyasha said:
… if [tex]y=ax+b[/tex] then [tex]\bar{y}=a\bar{x}+b[/tex] and [tex]s_{y}= \left| a\right|s_{x}[/tex]

I don't know where they get this y from. Can you give me hints on how to solve this question ?

For example, x could be in degrees Celsius, while y could be (9/5)x + 32, which is degrees Fahrenheit.

It's just a change in scale. :wink:
 
They are not "getting" y from anywhere. They are defining y to be this linear function of x. The point is to show that if y is a linear function of x then the mean of y is that same linear function of the mean of x and the standard deviation of y is a multiple of the standard deviation of x.
 
Okay guys is this correct for the other part which says show that :
[tex]s_{y}= \left| a\right|s_{x}[/tex]

Attempt to solution:

[tex]s^2_{y}=(a^2)\cdot(s^2_{x})[/tex]
[tex]\sqrt{(s^2_{y})}=\sqrt{(a^2)\cdot(s^2_{x})[/tex]
[tex]s_{y}= \left| a\right|s_{x}[/tex]
 

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