Question

what does the slope of the line tell you about the situation?
the beams height decreases 6 feet per minute.
the beams height decreases 18 feet per minute.
the beams height decreases 90 feet per minute.
the beams height decreases 120 feet per minute.

Explanation:

To determine the correct interpretation of the slope, we analyze the rate of change of the beam's height over time. The slope represents the rate of change (change in height per unit time, here per minute). A negative slope (since height is decreasing) with a magnitude indicating the decrease per minute. Among the options, the first option states a decrease of 6 feet per minute, which is a reasonable rate (the others like 18, 90, 120 feet per minute are unrealistically fast for a beam's height decrease).

The slope's interpretation as a rate of change (height over time) is analyzed. Unrealistically large rates (18, 90, 120 ft/min) are discarded, leaving the reasonable 6 ft/min decrease.

Answer:

The beam's height decreases 6 feet per minute.