A table contains the ordered pairs (3, 42.25) and (5, 50.75). If the relationship in the table is linear, explain how to find the initial value.

Answer:

Find the rate of change, (50.75 − 42.25) ÷ (5 − 3) = 4.25. Then subtract the rate of change times the x-value from the corresponding y-value: 42.25 − 4.25(3) = 29.5. The initial value is 29.5.