Question

Mr. Chapman recorded the amount he spent on gas each month to see if it would be cheaper to take the train to work. Amount Mr. Chapman spent on gas Month Dollars spent on gas March $96 April $56 May $71 June $77 July $82 According to the table, what was the rate of change between May and July?

Answer 1

To calculate the rate of change between May and July in the amount Mr. Chapman spent on gas, we'll use the formula for the rate of change:

\[
\text{Rate of Change} = \frac{\text{Change in Amount}}{\text{Change in Time}}
\]

1. **Identify the amounts spent:**
- Amount spent in May: $71
- Amount spent in July: $82

2. **Calculate the change in amount:**
\[
\text{Change in Amount} = \text{Amount in July} - \text{Amount in May} = 82 - 71 = 11
\]

3. **Identify the months between May and July:**
- May to July is a period of 2 months (June and July).

4. **Calculate the change in time:**
\[
\text{Change in Time} = 2 \text{ months}
\]

5. **Calculate the rate of change:**
\[
\text{Rate of Change} = \frac{11}{2} = 5.5
\]

Thus, the rate of change in the amount Mr. Chapman spent on gas between May and July is **$5.50 per month**.