Question

question
which of the contexts below could be modeled by a linear function?
answer
the amount of a certain medication in a person’s bloodstream decreases by \\(\frac{1}{3}\\) every week. \\(\quad\\) a town’s population shrinks at a rate of 2.2% every year.
a certain population of 4 aggressive zombies quintuples every hour. \\(\quad\\) snow was falling at a rate of 2 inches per hour.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify linear function trait

A linear function has a constant absolute rate of change (not percentage/multiplicative change).

Step2: Analyze each option

• Medication amount: Decreases by $\frac{1}{3}$ (multiplicative, exponential)
• Zombie population: Quintuples (multiplies by 5, exponential)
• Town population: Shrinks by 2.2% (percentage, exponential)
• Snowfall: 2 inches per hour (constant absolute rate, linear)

Answer:

Snow was falling at a rate of 2 inches per hour.