Question

in the table below, x represents the miles traveled and y represents the cost to travel by train.

\

$$\begin{tabular}{|c|c|} \\hline miles, x & cost, y \\\\ \\hline 2 & 8.50 \\\\ \\hline 5 & 15.25 \\\\ \\hline 8 & 22.00 \\\\ \\hline 12 & 31.00 \\\\ \\hline \\end{tabular}$$

what is the slope of this function?

(a) 0.44
(b) 0.63
(c) 2.25
(d) 22.50

Explanation:

Select two points from the table

$$ (x_1, y_1) = (2, 8.50),\quad (x_2, y_2) = (5, 15.25) $$

Apply the slope formula

$$ m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} $$

Calculate the value of the slope

$$ m = \frac{15.25 - 8.50}{5 - 2} = \frac{6.75}{3} = 2.25 $$

Answer:

• (A) 0.44
• (B) 0.63
• (C) 2.25 (Correct answer)
• (D) 22.50