1. **Problem statement:** Given a graph showing money earned versus time worked for five employees, each paid a different fixed hourly rate, identify which employee was paid the most money per hour. 2. **Understanding the problem:** The hourly rate is the slope of the line connecting the origin (0,0) to each point (time, money earned). The employee with the highest hourly rate has the steepest slope. 3. **Formula:** Hourly rate $= \frac{\text{Money earned}}{\text{Time worked}} = \frac{y}{x}$. 4. **Analysis:** From the graph description: - Point C has the highest money earned for a lower time, indicating a steep slope. - Other points have either more time with less money or moderate values. 5. **Conclusion:** Employee C has the highest hourly rate because the ratio $\frac{y}{x}$ is greatest for point C. **Final answer:** (C) C