Question

What is the slope/rate of change for a linear function that passes through the points (4, 1) and (-8, 7)?

a. -1/3
b. 1/3
c. 3/7
d. -3/7

Answer 1

The slope of the linear function passing through the points (4, 1) and (-8, 7) is calculated using the formula for slope, resulting in -1/2, which is not listed among the provided options.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks what the slope or rate of change is for a linear function that passes through two given points. To find the slope, we can use the formula slope (m) = (y2-y1)/(x2-x1), where (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are the coordinates of the two points through which the line passes. For the points given in the question, (4, 1) and (-8, 7), we can calculate the slope as follows:

1. Subtract the y-coordinate of the second point from the y-coordinate of the first point to find the rise: 7 - 1 = 6.
2. Subtract the x-coordinate of the second point from the x-coordinate of the first point to find the run: -8 - 4 = -12.
3. Divide the rise by the run to find the slope: 6 / -12 = -1/2.

Therefore, the correct answer is not listed among the options provided. The actual slope of the line passing through (4, 1) and (-8, 7) is -1/2.