Question

practice comparing linear functions of real - world scenarios. in science, students are observing the growth of two plants. plant a receives sunlight and plant b does not. the graph and table show the data for this scenario. what is the initial height of plant b? inches
plant a:
plant b:

weeks	height (in)
3	8.7
4	10.1

Explanation:

Step1: Find the slope of Plant B's growth

The slope formula is $m=\frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$. Using the points $(2,7.3)$ and $(3,8.7)$ from the table of Plant B, we have $m=\frac{8.7 - 7.3}{3 - 2}=\frac{1.4}{1}=1.4$.

Step2: Use the point - slope form $y - y_1=m(x - x_1)$

The point - slope form of a line is $y - y_1=m(x - x_1)$. Let's use the point $(2,7.3)$ and $m = 1.4$. So $y-7.3=1.4(x - 2)$.

Step3: Find the initial height (when $x = 0$)

Expand the equation: $y-7.3=1.4x-2.8$. Then $y=1.4x + 4.5$. When $x = 0$, $y=3.1$. So the initial height of Plant B is 3.1 inches.

Answer:

3.1