Question

The table represents some points on the graph of a linear function. What is the rate of change of y with respect to x for this function?

X | Y
-9 | 5
0 | 3
9 | 1

Answer 1

The given table is
x y
-9 5
0 3
9 1

The change in x is 9 - (-9) = 9 + 9 = 18
The corresponding change in y is 1 - 5 = -4

The rate of change of y with respect to x is
-4/18 = - 2/9
The slope of the graph verifies that the rate of change is negative.

Answer: -2/9