There are 60 minutes in an hour. The total number of minutes is a function of the number of hours, as shown in the table. Does this situation represent a linear or non-linear function, and why?

Question

Hours vs. Minutes
Hours
Minutes
1
60
2
120
3
180
4
240
5
300
It represents a linear function because there is a constant rate of change.
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.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

It represents a linear function because there is a constant rate of change.

This is true because the relationship between hours and minutes is consistent: for each additional hour, the number of minutes increases by 60. This constant increase indicates a linear relationship. Therefore, the function can be expressed as \( M = 60H \), where \( M \) is the total number of minutes and \( H \) is the number of hours.