Question

Lauren keeps records of the distances she travels in a taxi and what she
pays.
Distance in miles Cost in dollars
(d)
3
8.25
5
12.75
11
26.25
Lauren said a linear function can represent the given data. If Lauren uses
the function f(x) = mx + b, what is the value of parameter m? Explain what
this value stands for in context of the problem.

Answer 1

Answer:

m = 2.25

Step-by-step explanation:

In a standard equation of y = mx + b, m is the slope. In this situation, the slope is the price paid per mile.

To find the slope of the line, we use the slope formula: (y₂ - y₁) / (x₂ - x₁). I will use the points (3, 8.25) & (11, 26.25)

Plug in these values:

(26.25 - 8.25) / (11 - 3)

Simplify the parentheses.

= (18) / (8)

Simplify the fraction.

18/8

= 9/4

This is your slope.

In a dollar value, it is 9/4 of a dollar, or $2.25 per mile.