What is the rate of change for the linear relationship modeled in the table? x y -1 10 1 9 3 8 5 7 a) -1/2 b) 0 c) 1/2 d) 2

Take any 2 points and find the slope of the line connecting them:

1 9
3 8
                            9-8          1
slope m is   m = = = -1/2
                            1-3          -2

Since the data represented by the table are linear, then the average rate of change is given by the slope of the line.
 We have then:
 
 Substituting values we have:
 
 Rewriting we have:
 
 
 The average rate of change is given by:
 A) -1/2

The year before the 10s so it was like when caveman were alive