Question

(a) what is the initial mass of the substance? 400 g the initial mass is represented by the asymptote of the graph. (b) for the first 20 minutes, as time in asymptote ss decreases. (c) give the equation of the asymptote; y - intercept x - intercept choose the statement that best describes the meaning of the asymptote. the mass of the substance does not fall below 0 g. the mass of the substance does not rise above 400 g. the mass is measured for no more than 40 minutes.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify initial mass

The initial mass is given as the value corresponding to the start (time = 0), which is stated directly.

Step2: Analyze first 20 minutes trend

Observe the graph: as time increases (moves right along x-axis), the mass (y-value) goes down.

Step3: Interpret asymptote meaning

The asymptote here is the upper bound of the graph, so the mass cannot exceed this initial value.

Answer:

(a) 400 g
(b) decreases
(c) The mass of the substance does not rise above 400 g.