Question

what does the y-intercept of the line tell you about the situation?
the candles height decreased 1 inch every hour.
the candle was 12 inches tall after burning for 4 hours.
the candle was 16 inches tall before mariana started burning it.
the candle was 20 inches tall before mariana started burning it.

Explanation:

In a linear model for a burning candle, the y-intercept represents the initial height of the candle (when time, the x-value, is 0, meaning before burning started). Using the context of the options, the correct interpretation of the y-intercept is the starting height of 16 inches.

Answer:

The candle was 16 inches tall before Mariana started burning it.