Question

A linear function is given in the table. Which equation correctly represents the relationship?

Answer 1

The slope of the function from points (-4, -17) and (-2, -14.5) is

`m=(-14.5--17)/(-2--4)=(5)/(4)`

and using the point (-4, -17) we find the y-intercept

`-17=(5)/(4)(-4)+b`
`b=-12`

Hence, the equation of the line is

`y=(5)/(4)x-12`

This looks like none of the choices given. But in the point-slope form, we have choice B which tells us that the line passes through -(4, -17) which it indeed does; therefore, the correct choice is the choice B.