Which of the following are important aspects of linear functions?

Linear functions are fundamentally defined by their starting values, often referred to as the y-intercept, and their slopes, which indicate the steepness and direction of the line. The starting value represents the output of the function when the input (x-value) is zero, while the slope quantifies how much the output changes for each unit increase in the input. This relationship is crucial because it allows for predicting and understanding the behavior of linear functions across different inputs.

While intersections and shifts can be relevant in the analysis of linear functions, particularly when discussing how they interact with other functions or how they might be transformed, they do not capture the core defining characteristics of linearity as effectively as starting values and slopes. Maxima and minima are associated more with functions that have curves or are non-linear, focusing on extreme values instead of the consistent linearity. Angles and arcs pertain to geometric properties rather than a direct representation of linear functions. Thus, the focus on starting values and slopes is the most accurate representation of what defines linear functions.