Negative 7 bigger or smaller than negative 8

What two consecutive odd integers have a sum of -28

The midpoints of the sides of the large square are joined to form a smaller square. what is the area of the smaller square

In order for the function to be linear, what must m be and why? m = 22 because the rate of change is 1. m = 20 because the rate of change is 3. m = 22 because the rate of change is -1. m = 20 because the rate of change is -3.