** the points (0, -4) and (3,2) lie on the graph of a linear function. what is the rate of change of the function?

Rate of change = slope

slope = )y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
(0,-4)x1 = 0 and y1 = -4 (pay attention to the negative sign when subbing)
(3,2)x2 = 3 and y2 = 2
now we sub
slope(rate of change) = (2 - (-4) / (3 - 0) = (2 + 4) / 3 = 6/3 = 2 <==

No because if you do the higher number minus the lower number you will get a positive. if you do it the other way around you will get a negative number

Bi’m pretty sure hope it works