Question

a book club member has a prepaid balance on their e - book reader. the equation y = - 4.50x + 50 the remaining balance, y, after a certain number of books, x, are purchased. which statement best describes the e - book readers balance? a. from a beginning balance of $50, the balance decreases by $4.50 for each book purchased. b. from a beginning balance of $4.50, the balance decreases by $50 for each book purchased. c. from a beginning balance of $50, the balance increases by $4.50 for each book purchased. d. from a beginning balance of $4.50, the balance increases by $50 for each book purchased.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the linear - equation form

The equation is in the form $y = mx + b$, where $m=-4.50$ is the slope and $b = 50$ is the y - intercept. In the context of the problem, $y$ is the remaining balance, $x$ is the number of books purchased.

Step2: Interpret the y - intercept

The y - intercept $b = 50$ represents the initial balance when $x = 0$ (i.e., no books are purchased). So the initial balance is $50$.

Step3: Interpret the slope

The slope $m=-4.50$ means that for each increase in $x$ (each book purchased), $y$ (the balance) decreases by $4.50$.

Answer:

A. From a beginning balance of $50, the balance decreases by $4.50 for each book purchased.