Question

In order for the data in the table to represent a linear function with a rate of change of +5, what must be the value of a?

a = 3
a = 8
a = 18
a = 33

Answer 1

I don't see the table — could you paste or describe it (the x and y values)?

General method: a linear function with rate of change 5 means for any two points (x1,y1) and (x2,y2),
(y2 − y1) / (x2 − x1) = 5.
So solve for a from a − y1 = 5(xa − x1) (or a = y1 + 5(xa − x1)), where xa is the x-value paired with a.

If the table lists consecutive x-values (difference 1) then a must equal the previous y + 5 (or the next y − 5). Send the table and I’ll compute a.