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In 2014, the average gas price in a certain state was $3.50 per gallon. In 2018, it dropped to $2.80 per gallon. Let x represent the year and y be the average gas price. Use the ordered pairs (2014, 3.50) and (2018, 2.80) to find the slope of the line that passes through these points. Interpret the slope in the context of this problem.

User Hatatister
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2 Answers

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Final answer:

The slope of the line passing through the points (2014, 3.50) and (2018, 2.80) is -0.175. This means that the average gas price decreased by $0.175 per year between 2014 and 2018.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to find the slope of the line passing through the points (2014, 3.50) and (2018, 2.80), we can use the formula for slope:

Slope (m) = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

Using the coordinates of the points, we can substitute the values into the formula:

Slope (m) = (2.80 - 3.50) / (2018 - 2014)

Simplifying the expression:

Slope (m) = (-0.70) / (4)

Slope (m) = -0.175

Interpreting the slope in the context of this problem, it means that the average gas price decreased by $0.175 per year between 2014 and 2018.

User Muffun
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6 votes

Answer:

slope= - 0.175 and is average decrease of price of gas per gallon per year

Step-by-step explanation:

slope= (y2-y1)/(x2-x1)

slope = (2.80-3.50)/(2018-2014)

slope= -0.7/4

slope= - 0.175

as along y axis it is average gas price per gallon and along x axis it is time in years and in gradient or slope both change so gradient is change in average gas price per gallon per year as it is negative so it shows average decrease of price of gas per gallon per year

User Jun Wang
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6.0k points