1. The problem asks us to compare the rates of change (slopes) of two linear functions, M and P. 2. Function P is given by the equation $$y = 7x + 9$$, so its rate of change (slope) is directly visible as 7. 3. To find the rate of change of Function M, we use the formula for slope between two points $$(x_1, y_1)$$ and $$(x_2, y_2)$$: $$\text{slope} = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$$ 4. Using points from Function M, for example, $(-2, -9)$$ and $$(0, 1)$$: $$\text{slope}_M = \frac{1 - (-9)}{0 - (-2)} = \frac{1 + 9}{0 + 2} = \frac{10}{2} = 5$$ 5. We can verify with another pair to confirm the slope is consistent: Between $$(0, 1)$$ and $$(2, 11)$$: $$\text{slope}_M = \frac{11 - 1}{2 - 0} = \frac{10}{2} = 5$$ 6. So, the rate of change of Function M is 5. 7. Now, compare the slopes: - Function M slope = 5 - Function P slope = 7 8. The difference in their rates of change is: $$7 - 5 = 2$$ 9. Therefore, the correct statement is: B Their rates of change differ by 2.