Question

In order for the data in the table to represent a linear function with a rate of change of –8, what must be the value of a?

a = 2
a = 3
a = 19
a = 35

Answer 1

I don't see the table — can you post the x–y pairs (or an image of the table)?

In the meantime, here's how to solve it once you supply the data:
- Take two points from the table, (x1,y1) and (x2,y2), that include the entry with a.
- Use the slope formula m = (y2 − y1)/(x2 − x1).
- Set m = −8 and solve that equation for a.

Example: if the table had points (2,a) and (5,−28), then
(−28 − a)/(5 − 2) = −8 → (−28 − a)/3 = −8 → −28 − a = −24 → a = −4.

Send the table and I’ll compute which of the choices (2, 3, 19, 35) is correct.