In order for the data in the table to represent a linear function with a rate of change of negative 8 , what must be the value of a ? x y 10 27 11 a 12 11

A rate of change of −8 means y decreases by 8 whenever x increases by 1. From x = 10 to x = 11, y must go from 27 to 27 − 8 = 19, so a = 19. This also gives y = 11 when x = 12, as shown in the table.

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