| dependent variable | a value or variable that depends upon the independent value |
| independent variable | a value or variable that changes or can be manipulated by circumstances |
| linear equation | an equation that describes a straight line |
| linear function | a function with a constant rate of change and a straight line graph |
| rate of change | the constant in a proportional function equation; it describes the ratio or proportional relationship of the independent and dependent variables—also called the constant of variation or the constant of proportionality |
| slope | the ratio of the vertical and horizontal changes between two points on a surface or a line |
| slope-intercept form | a linear equation, written in the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept |
| y-intercept | the point where a line meets or crosses the y-axis |