The graph shows the number of gallons in a wading pool that is being drained. Using the points (1,160) and (3,80) as (x1,y1) and (x2,y2) , what is the rate of change in the number of gallons in the pool after each hour has passed?

Answer 1

To find the rate of change in the number of gallons in the pool after each hour has passed, we will use the formula for slope:

slope = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

Given the points (1,160) and (3,80), we can substitute the values into the formula:

slope = (80 - 160) / (3 - 1)
slope = -80 / 2
slope = -40

Therefore, the rate of change in the number of gallons in the pool after each hour has passed is -40 gallons per hour.