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Gas prices have increased steadily from $2.35 per gallon to $3.95 per gallon in 8 months. What is the rate of change in gasoline prices per month?

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Answer:

The rate of change in gasoline is 0.2$ per month.

Explanation:

Given that Gas prices have increased steadily from $2.35 per gallon to $3.95 per gallon in 8 months.

Increase 'steadily' means the rate of change is the same throughout the 8 months.

let x represents the time in months, and y represents the gas price

so

at x₁ = 0, y₁ = 2.35

at x₂ = 8, y₂ = 3.95

Let us find the slope or rate of change using the formula

Rate of change = slope = m = [y₂ - y₁] / [x₂ - x₁]

= [3.95 - 2.35] / [8 - 0]

= 1.6 / 8

= 0.2 $ per month

Therefore, the rate of change in gasoline is 0.2$ per month.

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