Question

an aquarium is being filled with water. the graph shows the height of the water over time as the aquarium is being filled. which statement best describes the rate of change for this situation?
aquarium

1. the height of the water increases 5 inches per second.
2. the height of the water increases 20 inches per second.
3. the height of the water increases 2.5 inches per second.
4. the height of the water increases 1 inch per second.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify two graph points

Choose (0, 0) and (4, 10) from the graph.

Step2: Calculate rate of change

Rate = $\frac{\text{Change in height}}{\text{Change in time}} = \frac{10 - 0}{4 - 0}$

Step3: Simplify the expression

$\frac{10}{4} = 2.5$

Answer:

The height of the water increases 2.5 inches per second.