Question

(a) what is the initial mass of the substance? the initial mass is represented by the asymptote of the graph. g (b) for the first 20 minutes, as time in decreases (c) give the equation of the asymptote y - intercept x - intercept choose the statement that best describes the meaning of the asymptote. the mass of the substance does not fall below 0 g. the mass of the substance does not rise above 400 g. the mass is measured for no more than 40 minutes.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify initial mass from graph

The graph starts at $y=400$ when time $x=0$.

Step2: Identify asymptote meaning

The curve approaches $y=0$ but never crosses it.

Step3: State asymptote equation

The horizontal asymptote is the line $y=0$.

The initial mass is the y-value when time is 0, which is 400 g. The asymptote of the graph represents the lower limit the mass approaches. The horizontal asymptote here is $y=0$, meaning the mass never falls below 0 g.

Answer:

(a) 400 g
(b) asymptote
(c)