VS.

# Affine vs. Linear

Published:

(mathematics) Assigning finite values to finite quantities.

Having the form of a line; straight.

(geometry) Of or pertaining to a function expressible as $f\left(\vec x\right)= A \vec x + \vec b$ (where $A$ is a linear transformation and $\vec b$ is a constant), which, regarded as a transformation, maps parallel lines to parallel lines and finite points to finite points.

Of or relating to lines.

Of two materials, having mutual affinity.

Made in a step-by-step, logical manner.

Affinenoun

A relative by marriage.

Long and narrow, with nearly parallel sides.

Affineverb

To refine.

(mathematics) Of or relating to a class of polynomial of the form $y = ax + b$.

Affineverb

To refine.

(physics) A type of length measurement involving only one spatial dimension as opposed to area or volume.

‘a linear meter’;

Affinenoun

(anthropology) kin by marriage

Of or pertaining to a line; consisting of lines; in a straight direction; lineal.

related by marriage

Like a line; narrow; of the same breadth throughout, except at the extremities; as, a linear leaf.

Thinking in a step-by-step analytical and logical fashion; contrasted with holistic, i.e. thinking in terms of complex interrelated patterns; as, linear thinkers.

‘Linear thinkers concluded that by taking the world apart, the actions of people were more predictable and controllable.’;

designating or involving an equation whose terms are of the first degree

of or in or along or relating to a line; involving a single dimension;

‘a linear foot’;

of a circuit or device having an output that is proportional to the input;

‘analogue device’; ‘linear amplifier’;

of a leaf shape; long and narrow

measured lengthwise;

‘cost of lumber per running foot’;

arranged in or extending along a straight or nearly straight line

‘linear movement’;

consisting of or predominantly formed using lines or outlines

‘simple linear designs’;

involving one dimension only

‘linear elasticity’;

able to be represented by a straight line on a graph

‘linear functions’;

involving or exhibiting directly proportional change in two related quantities

‘linear relationship’;