The table below represents the number of math problems Jana completed as a function of the number of minutes since she began doing her homework. Does this situation represent a linear or non-linear function, and why?
Jana's Math Homework Progress
Minutes Math Problems Completed
1
3
2.
7
3
12
4
16
5
19
WINE
It represents a linear function because there is a constant rate of change.
O It represents a linear function because there is not a constant rate of change.
It represents a non-linear function because there is a constant rate of change.
It represents a non-linear function because there is not a constant rate of change.

Since we want to solve for the variable x, we want to isolate x

a²x + (a - 1) = (a + 1)x ⇒ Distribute x to (a+1). Also, remove parentheses

a²x + a - 1 = ax + x ⇒ Subtract a from both sides

a²x - 1 = ax + x - a ⇒ Add 1 to both sides

a²x = ax + x - a + 1 ⇒ Subtract (ax + x) from both sides

a²x - (ax + x)= ax + x - a + 1 - (ax+x) ⇒ Simplify. Remember that multiplying positive by negative = negative

a²x - ax - x = ax + x - a + 1 - ax - x ⇒ Simplify

a²x - ax - x = -a + 1 ⇒ Factor out the x from a²x - ax - x

x(a² - a - 1) = -a + 1 ⇒ Divide both sides by (a² - a - 1)

x = (-a + 1) / (a² - a - 1)

However, we need to make sure that the denominator does not equal 0. Therefore, you set the denominator = 0 (just use the quadratic formula for this), and it gives that the denominator =0 when a = (1+√5)/2 AND (1-√5)/2

Therefore, the final answer is

x = (-a + 1) / (a² - a - 1) given that a ≠ (1+√5)/2, a ≠ (1-√5)/2