1. **State the problem:** Find the average rate of change of the function over the interval $-3 \leq x \leq 0$. 2. **Identify points:** The average rate of change formula uses two points on the curve: $(x_1, y_1)$ and $(x_2, y_2)$. 3. **From the graph:** At $x_1 = -3$, $y_1 \approx 8$ (given by the graph near $x=-3$). At $x_2 = 0$, $y_2 \approx 0$ (the curve crosses near $y=0$ at $x=0$). 4. **Formula for average rate of change:** $$\text{Average Rate of Change} = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$$ 5. **Substitute values:** $$= \frac{0 - 8}{0 - (-3)} = \frac{0 - 8}{0 + 3} = \frac{-8}{3}$$ 6. **Simplify:** $$= -\frac{8}{3} \approx -2.67$$ 7. **Interpretation:** The average rate of change is negative, indicating the function decreases on this interval. **Final answer:** $x_1 = -3$, $y_1 = 8$ $x_2 = 0$, $y_2 = 0$ Average Rate of Change $= -\frac{8}{3}$