Since the table shows points with linear behavior, we can find the rate of change (slope) by taking a pair of points. For instance, if we choose the points
[tex]\begin{gathered} (x_1,y_1)=(7.15,26) \\ (x_2,y_2)=(7.24,71) \end{gathered}[/tex]
the rate of change is given by
[tex]\frac{y_2-y_1}{x_2-x_1}=\frac{(71-26)\text{ people}}{(7\colon24-7\colon15\text{) minutes}}[/tex]
which gives
[tex]\frac{y_2-y_1}{x_2-x_1}=\frac{45\text{ people}}{9\text{ minutes}}=5\text{ people per minute}[/tex]
Therefore, the rate of change is: 5 people per minute.
