Joe claims that the equation , where b is a real number, represents the graph of a straight line.
Which statement BEST classifies Joe's claim?
A.
Joe's claim is true only when b is 0.
B.
Joe's claim is true for all values of b.
C.
Joe's claim is not true for any value of b.
D.
Joe's claim is true only when b is not zero.
The correct answer is D. Joe's claim is true only when b is not zero.
The equation represents a linear function (y = bx). For a linear function to represent a straight line, the slope (b) cannot be zero. If b is zero, the function becomes y = 0, which is a horizontal line passing through the point (0,0). For any other non-zero value of b, the equation represents a straight line with a varying slope.