question 1\n1 pts\nwhich equation defines all linear functions\ny = mx + b\ny = x^2\ny = b\nx = a

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the form of linear functions

A linear function has the form (y = mx + b), where (m) is the slope and (b) is the (y -)intercept.

Step2: Analyze (y=x^{2})

(y = x^{2}) is a quadratic function (not linear) as the exponent of (x) is (2).

Step3: Analyze (y = b)

(y=b) is a constant function (a special case of a linear function with (m = 0)).

Step4: Analyze (x=a)

(x=a) is a vertical line, and it is not a function (fails the vertical - line test).

Answer:

(y=mx + b)