Math Problem Statement
Solution
Let's break down the given problem.
Key Information:
- Initially, the ice sheet is 2 meters thick.
- After 3 weeks, the ice sheet's thickness has decreased to 1.25 meters.
- The thickness is decreasing at a constant rate, so we can model the relationship between thickness and time with a linear equation.
Define Variables:
- Let represent the thickness of the ice sheet (in meters).
- Let represent the number of weeks that have passed.
Steps to Approach:
-
Find the slope (rate of change):
The thickness decreases from 2 meters to 1.25 meters in 3 weeks, so the slope is calculated by the formula: The slope , meaning the ice sheet's thickness decreases by 0.25 meters each week. -
y-intercept:
The initial thickness is 2 meters when , so the y-intercept is 2.
Graph Interpretation:
- Slope: The slope is known to be .
- y-intercept: The y-intercept is 2 because that is the starting thickness.
Conclusion:
The graph of the relationship is a line with a slope of and a y-intercept of 2. Therefore, the answer is (B) Slope and y-intercept.
Would you like more details or further clarification?
Here are five questions to deepen understanding:
- How would the graph change if the ice melted faster?
- What does the x-intercept of this graph represent physically?
- How would you find the x-intercept from the equation?
- Could this scenario ever have a positive slope?
- How would the equation change if the rate of melting was not constant?
Tip: In linear models, the y-intercept often represents the starting value, and the slope shows how the dependent variable changes per unit of the independent variable.
Ask a new question for Free
By Image
Drop file here or Click Here to upload
Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Linear Relationships
Slope-Intercept Form
Graph Interpretation
Formulas
Slope formula: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
Slope-intercept form: y = mx + b
Theorems
-
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 8-10
Related Recommendation
Graphing Linear Relationships - Ice Sheet Thickness Over Time
Calculate Ice Sheet Volume Changes Using Linear Functions and Slope
Analyzing the Slope and Proportionality of a Submarine's Descent
Linear Equation for Chocolates Remaining Over Time
Snow Depth Melting Linear Equation and Y-Intercept Interpretation