Question

The linear functions f(x) = 4.6x + 26 represents the percentages people, f(x), who graduated from college x years after 1998. Find the slope then describe what it means in terms of the rate of change of the dependent variable per unit change in the independent variable.

Answer 1

Linear function which represent the percentage of people

f(x) = 4.6x + 26 ........(i)

The slope form of the linear function is;

y = mx + c .......(ii)

On comparing equation (i) and (ii)

m = 4.6 which is positive

Thus, it show that the percentage of people graduating from college has increased at a rate of 4.6% per year after 1998.