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