To determine the initial value and the rate of change of the linear function represented by the points \((-3, 4), (0, 3), (3, 2), (6, 1)\), we can find the slope (rate of change) and the y-intercept (initial value) of the linear function.
Step 1: Calculate the slope (rate of change)
The slope \(m\) of a linear function can be determined using two points \((x_1, y_1)\) and \((x_2, y_2)\) with the formula:
\[ m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \]
We can use any two points; let's use \((0, 3)\) and \((3, 2)\):
\[ m = \frac{2 - 3}{3 - 0} = \frac{-1}{3} = -0.333 \]
Step 2: Determine the y-intercept (initial value)
The y-intercept is the value of \(y\) when \(x = 0\). According to the points given, when \(x = 0\), \(y = 3\). Therefore, the initial value (y-intercept) is:
\[ b = 3 \]
Final Results
- Initial value (y-intercept): \(3\)
- Rate of change (slope): \(-0.333\) (rounded to three decimal places)
Therefore, the initial blue (y-intercept) and rate of change are:
- Initial value: 3
- Rate of change: -0.333