#Machine Maintenance Month Hours (X) Costs (7) Jan 3,000 $440 Feb 4,500 $690 Mar 8,000 $510 Apr 7.000 $600 May 6,000 $550 Jun 9,000 $980 Jul 3,500 $840 Aug 5,500 $600 What does the slope represent? the rate at which the X variable changes as a result of the Y variable the rate at which the dependent variable changes as a result of the hxed cost component the rate at which the independent variable changes as a result of changes in the dependent variable the rate at which the Y variable changes as a result of the X variable