If a function is increasing at a rate ofand the points (0,2) and (3,4) are both on the graph of f(x). What will be the y value when x is 3 if the rate is changed to and the point (0,2) remains on the new line. -------------------------------------------------------- Here is what we must know in order to do the problem: If the rate of change of a function is constant then #1. The function is a linear function of the form f(x) = mx + b. and #2. The slope m is the constant rate of change of the linear function f(x). and #3. The ordered pair (0,b) is a zero of f(x) and is called the y-intercept, as it is represented by the point on the graph of f(x), which is a non-vertical straight line, where that line crosses the y-axis. Since we are told that: >>"...a function is increasing at a rate of 2/3..."<< we know by #2 above that m = and since we are told that >>"...(0,2)...[IS]...on the graph of f(x)"<< we know by #3 above that b = 2 then by #1, we know the function is f(x) = mx + b or f(x) = x + 2 So we didn't need the information that (3,4) is on the line. It was extra. ------------------------------------ >>"...the rate is changed to 4/3..."<< Now we're going to change the rate (i.e,, the slope m from to , so the new m = and since >>"...the point (0,2) remains on the new line..."<< We know that the new function, call it g(x), has b = 2, so g(x) = mx + b g(x) = x + 2 So we are asked: >>"...What will be the [NEW] y value when x is 3..."<< So we substitute 3 for x g(x) = x + 2 g(3) = (3) + 2 g(3) = 4 + 2 g(3) = 6. Since the y-value IS the function value, then the final answer is 6. Edwin