what is the rate of change of the function?

Explanation:

Step1: Select two points on the line

Let's take the points (0, - 4) and (1, - 1).

Step2: Use the slope - formula

The slope formula is $m=\frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$. Here, $x_1 = 0,y_1=-4,x_2 = 1,y_2=-1$. Then $m=\frac{-1-(-4)}{1 - 0}=\frac{-1 + 4}{1}=\frac{3}{1}=3$.

Answer:

3