Decide whether each equation represents a linear situation.

1. y = 2x

2. y = 2/x

3. y = x (2 squared)

1)  y=2x:  Here the exponent of "x" is 1.  This is a sure giveaway that this equation is linear.

3)  y = x^2    (not x(2 squared):     Here the exponent of x is 2, meaning that this function is classified as a "quadratic."  y=x^2 is definitely not a linear relationship.

2)  Think about this one for a while, and then come up with a tentative answer.  Linear function or not a linear function?  If puzzled, try graphing 
y=2/x and then come to a conclusion.