Definition of the word linear

The word "linear" derives from the Latin word "lineārus," meaning "forming a line" or "having the form of a line." In mathematics, it refers to a one-dimensional geometric shape or quantity that can be represented by a straight line. In other words, a linear object has only one dimension – length. The adjective "linear" is commonly used in various fields, including math, physics, engineering, and computer science, to describe features, processes, or equations that exhibit a direct proportionality between two variables, such as height and weight, distance and time, or voltage and current. In other words, a linear relationship is one in which a change in one variable results in a proportional change in the other variable. A simple linear equation, which is the most basic type of mathematical function, takes the form of y = mx + b, where m is the slope of the line that represents the gradient of the line, b is the y-intercept, x is the independent variable, and y is the dependent variable.