Question

A relation is plotted as a linear function on the coordinate plane starting at point E at(0, 27)and ending at point F at (5, −8).

What is the rate of change for the linear function and what is its initial value?

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Answer 1

The rate of change for a linear function, also known as the slope, can be found by calculating the change in the y-coordinate (rise) divided by the change in the x-coordinate (run) between two points on the line. The slope of a line describes how steep the line is and whether it is increasing or decreasing.

In this case, the slope of the linear function can be found by using the coordinates of points E and F:

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

Slope = (-8 - 27) / (5 - 0)

Slope = -35/5

The slope of the linear function is -35/5 or -7.

The initial value of a linear function is the y-intercept, which is the point where the line crosses the y-axis. To find the y-intercept, we can use the slope and one point on the line (in this case point E (0,27)):

y = mx + b

27 = -7(0) + b

b = 27

The y-intercept of the linear function is 27.

So, the linear function starts at point E (0,27) with an initial value of 27, and has a rate of change or slope of -7.