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 passed?

Answer 1

To find the rate of change, we need to calculate the slope of the line connecting the two points. The slope is given by the formula:

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

Substituting the given values, we have:

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

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