Which type of functions are characterized by a straight line representation?

Linear functions are characterized by a straight line representation on a graph. This is because they can be expressed in the form y = mx + b, where m represents the slope of the line, and b represents the y-intercept. The graph of a linear function will always be a straight line, regardless of the values of m and b. The linear relationship indicates that there is a constant rate of change, meaning for every unit increase in x, y increases by a fixed amount determined by the slope.

In contrast, quadratic, cubic, and exponential functions have different characteristics. Quadratic functions create a parabolic shape, cubic functions exhibit a more complex curve, and exponential functions show a rapid increase or decrease and are typically not linear. Thus, linear functions are uniquely defined by their straight-line graph, making them distinct from the other types listed.