Which table represents a linear function?

Answer:
Third Option
Step-by-step explanation:
We know that a function is linear if its slope or "rate of change" remains constant throughout the domain of the function.
A linear equation has the following formula:
[tex]y = mx + b[/tex] where m is the constant rate of change.
So if [tex]y = f (x)[/tex]
For any x value, it is always true that:
[tex]f(x + 1) - f (x) = m[/tex]
Notice that among the options given the only table where this is fulfilled is in the third table
[tex]f (1 + 1) - f (1) = m\\f (2) -f (1) = m\\-5 - (- 3) = -2 = m\\[/tex]
[tex]f (3) -f (2) = m\\-7 - (- 5) = -2 = m[/tex]
[tex]f (4) - f (3) = m\\-9 - (- 7) = -2 = m[/tex]
m is constant. Therefore the function is linear