If a linear model accurately reflects the measured data, then the linear model makes it easy to predict what outcomes will occur given any input within the range for which the model is valid.
I chose the word valid, because many physical occurences may only be linear within a certain range. Consider applying force to stretch a spring. Within a certain distance, the spring will move a linear distance proportional to the force applied. Outside that range, the relationship is no longer linear, so we restrict our model to the range where it does work.
First of all, many relationships are inherently linear. For example, distance travelled is a linear function of time where the slope is speed. Beyond that, linear functions are extremely simple. Because of this they can be used to model pieces of more complicated functions in a simple way. Thus, you can study the properties of the complicated function by studying a piece of it at a time, in a sense. Many mathematical objects can be said to behave as linear operators. This means that a firm undertstanding of lines, slopes and linear functions transfers to these objects. Linearity is fundamental to a great deal of mathematics.
The Mandelbrot graph is generated iteratively and so is a function of a function of a function ... and in that sense it is a composite function.
If you mean square feet, it really doesn't make sense to convert that.
None - they both refer to a direct line. Linear usually refer to a [straight] line as does lineal. Lineal is also used ion the context of direct ancestors and descendants, whereas linear is not usually used in that sense.
If you multiply that, you get cubic centimeters. You can convert that to cubic inches; therefore, it doesn't make sense to convert it to linear inches.
when does it make sense to choose a linear function to model a set of data
First of all, many relationships are inherently linear. For example, distance travelled is a linear function of time where the slope is speed. Beyond that, linear functions are extremely simple. Because of this they can be used to model pieces of more complicated functions in a simple way. Thus, you can study the properties of the complicated function by studying a piece of it at a time, in a sense. Many mathematical objects can be said to behave as linear operators. This means that a firm undertstanding of lines, slopes and linear functions transfers to these objects. Linearity is fundamental to a great deal of mathematics.
No. In analytic geometry a linear function means a first-degree polynomial function of one variable. These functions are called "linear" because their graphs in the Cartesian coordinate plane are a straight lines. A sine wave does not have a graph that is a straight line. A linear equation would imply meeting of superposition, that is af(x) + bf(y) = f(ax+by). We know from basic trig that sin(a+b) = sin(a)cos(b) + cos(a)sin(b). We can derive this out and find that sin(a+b) is not the same as sin(a) + sin(b). This therefore would exclude sin from being linear either in the geometric or systems sense.
doesn't make sense.
Otoliths sense linear accelerations. The semicircular canal system sense rotations. Both are located in the inner ear.
Common Sense was called 'common sense' because Thomas Paine chose to call it that.
to sense
Depth.
To sense electrical fields.
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The sense of smell.
There is no sense of harmony in Indian raga music - the emphasis is placed purely on the melody and therefore linear in concept.