Question

x y
-5 8
-7 14
Determine the rate of change and the initial value of the linear function given here as a table of values.
A. m = -7, b = -3
B. m = -0.5, b = 10.5
C. m = -3, b = -7
D. m = -0.5, b = 5.5

Answer 1

Slope m = (14 - 8)/(-7 - (-5)) = 6/(-2) = -3.
Using y = mx + b with (-5, 8): 8 = (-3)(-5) + b → 8 = 15 + b → b = -7.
Answer: C.