In the linear rule (S(t)=120-8t), what is the rate of change per unit?

Correct answer: -8

In a linear rule, the coefficient of t gives the rate of change per unit. In S(t)=120-8t, the coefficient of t is -8, so S decreases by 8 when t increases by 1. Here, 120 is the initial value, not the rate; 8 gives only the magnitude of the decrease, so the negative sign is essential. Exam tip: In the form y=a+bt, the rate of change is b.