Short Intro
Exercise 2.4 explains the concepts of linear growth and linear decay using real-life situations like plant growth, mobile depreciation, population increase, and prepaid balance reduction. These detailed step-by-step solutions help students understand linear functions and algebraic modelling easily.
Quick Information Box
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Chapter | Introduction to Linear Polynomials |
| Exercise | Exercise 2.4 |
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Class | Grade 9 |
| Main Concepts | Linear Growth & Linear Decay |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Useful For | School Exams & Olympiad Preparation |
Concepts Used (Topics Covered)
- Linear Growth
- Linear Decay
- Linear Functions
- Algebraic Expressions
- Table of Values
- Depreciation
- Population Growth
- Balance Reduction
- Mathematical Modelling
Important Formulas
Linear Growth Formula

Linear Decay Formula

Depreciation Formula
Population Growth Formula
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Question 1
Suppose a plant has height 1.75 feet and it grows by 0.5 feet each month.
(i) Find the height after 7 months
Solution
Initial height = 1.75 feet
Monthly growth = 0.5 feet
After 7 months:
Final Answer
✅ Height after 7 months = 5.25 feet
(ii) Table of Values
| Month (t) | Height h (feet) |
|---|---|
| 0 | 1.75 |
| 1 | 2.25 |
| 2 | 2.75 |
| 3 | 3.25 |
| 4 | 3.75 |
| 5 | 4.25 |
| 6 | 4.75 |
| 7 | 5.25 |
| 8 | 5.75 |
| 9 | 6.25 |
| 10 | 6.75 |
(iii) Expression relating h and t
This represents linear growth because the height increases by a constant amount every month.
Question 2
A mobile phone is bought for ₹10,000. Its value decreases by ₹800 every year.
(i) Find value after 3 years
Solution
Initial value = ₹10,000
Decrease every year = ₹800
After 3 years:
Final Answer
✅ Value after 3 years = ₹7600
(ii) Table of Values
| Year (t) | Value v (₹) |
|---|---|
| 0 | 10000 |
| 1 | 9200 |
| 2 | 8400 |
| 3 | 7600 |
| 4 | 6800 |
| 5 | 6000 |
| 6 | 5200 |
| 7 | 4400 |
| 8 | 3600 |
(iii) Expression relating v and t
This represents linear decay because the value decreases by a fixed amount every year.
Question 3
The initial population of a village is 750. Every year, 50 people move from a nearby city to the village.
(i) Population after 6 years
Solution
Initial population = 750
Increase per year = 50
After 6 years:
Final Answer
✅ Population after 6 years = 1050
(ii) Table of Values
| Year (t) | Population P |
|---|---|
| 0 | 750 |
| 1 | 800 |
| 2 | 850 |
| 3 | 900 |
| 4 | 950 |
| 5 | 1000 |
| 6 | 1050 |
| 7 | 1100 |
| 8 | 1150 |
| 9 | 1200 |
| 10 | 1250 |
(iii) Expression relating P and t
This represents linear growth because population increases by a constant number every year.
Question 4
A telecom company charges ₹600 for a recharge scheme. This prepaid balance reduces by ₹15 every day after recharge.
(i) Equation for remaining balance
Solution
Initial balance = ₹600
Reduction every day = ₹15
This represents linear decay because balance decreases by a fixed amount daily.
(ii) After how many days will balance become zero?
Solution
Final Answer
✅ Balance will run out after 40 days
(iii) Table of Values
| Days (x) | Balance b(x) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 585 |
| 2 | 570 |
| 3 | 555 |
| 4 | 540 |
| 5 | 525 |
| 6 | 510 |
| 7 | 495 |
| 8 | 480 |
| 9 | 465 |
| 10 | 450 |
Common Mistakes
❌ Using wrong sign in growth and decay problems
❌ Forgetting initial value in expressions
❌ Calculation mistakes in tables
❌ Confusing increase with decrease
Exam Tips
✔ Growth means addition (+)
✔ Decay means subtraction (−)
✔ Write formula before solving
✔ Make tables carefully and systematically
Practice MCQs
1. Which expression represents linear growth?
A)
B) 1000+50x
C)
D)
Answer
✅ B)
2. Which expression represents linear decay?
A)
B)
C)
D)
Answer
✅ B)
3. A value decreases by ₹100 every year. Which expression is correct?
A)
B)
C)
D)
Answer
✅ B)
4. Linear growth means:
A) Variable increase
B) Constant increase
C) Random increase
D) Quadratic increase
Answer
✅ B) Constant increase
FAQ Section
Q1. What is linear growth?
Linear growth means a quantity increases by a fixed amount over equal intervals.
Q2. What is linear decay?
Linear decay means a quantity decreases by a fixed amount over equal intervals.
Q3. What is a linear function?
A function represented by a straight-line equation is called a linear function.
Q4. Why are tables important in linear functions?
Tables help us understand patterns and relationships clearly.
Q5. Can real-life situations be represented using linear equations?
Yes, many daily-life situations can be represented using linear equations.
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