Math Problem Statement

The following question contains a set of choices marked Select . . . ▾ . Indicate the choice that is correct. (Note: On the real GED® test, the choices will appear as a “drop-down” menu. When you click on a choice, it will appear in the blank.) 24. Which has the greater rate of increase: Line A with the equation y = 5x – 7, or Line B between the points (–1, –4) and (1, 7)? Select . . . ▾ Line A Line B

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to determine the rates of increase (slopes) of both Line A and Line B and compare them.

Step 1: Rate of increase (slope) of Line A

The slope of Line A is the coefficient of xx in its equation, y=5x7y = 5x - 7.

  • Slope of Line A = 55.

Step 2: Rate of increase (slope) of Line B

To find the slope of Line B, we use the formula for the slope between two points, (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2):
slope=y2y1x2x1\text{slope} = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} Substituting the points (1,4)(-1, -4) and (1,7)(1, 7):
slope=7(4)1(1)=7+41+1=112=5.5\text{slope} = \frac{7 - (-4)}{1 - (-1)} = \frac{7 + 4}{1 + 1} = \frac{11}{2} = 5.5

Step 3: Compare the slopes

  • Slope of Line A = 55
  • Slope of Line B = 5.55.5

Since 5.5>55.5 > 5, Line B has the greater rate of increase.

Final Answer:

Select Line B.


Would you like further clarification? Here are some related questions to deepen understanding:

  1. What does the slope of a line represent in a real-world scenario?
  2. How do you determine the slope if only a graph is provided?
  3. How would the answer change if Line A had a slope of 66?
  4. What happens to the slope of a line if you flip its direction on a graph?
  5. Can two different lines ever have the same slope? If so, what does that mean?

Tip: Always pay close attention to the slope of a line when analyzing its rate of increase—it's the key to understanding how steeply it rises or falls!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Equations
Slope
Rate of Increase

Formulas

Slope formula: (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

Theorems

Slope as rate of change

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9