Question

is the rate of change in this table positive or negative?
x | 16 10 4 -2
y | -1 4 9 14

Explanation:

Step1: Define rate of change

Rate of change = $\frac{\Delta y}{\Delta x}$

Step2: Calculate $\Delta y$ and $\Delta x$

Take first interval: $\Delta y = 4 - (-1) = 5$, $\Delta x = 10 - 16 = -6$

Step3: Compute rate of change

Rate of change = $\frac{5}{-6} = -\frac{5}{6}$

Answer:

Negative