To find the equation that models the relationship between the number of hours ($x$) of the snowstorm and the number of inches of snow ($y$) on the ground, we can use the two points given: (0, 3) and (5, 18).

1. Determine the slope $m$ using the formula: $m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$ Substituting in the points: $m = \frac{18 - 3}{5 - 0} = \frac{15}{5} = 3$

2. Use the point-slope form of the equation: $y - y_1 = m(x - x_1)$ Using the point (0, 3): $y - 3 = 3(x - 0)$ Simplifying this gives: $y = 3x + 3$

Thus, the equation that models the relationship is: $y = 3x + 3$

Would you like to explore more details or have any questions? Here are some related questions to consider:

1. How do you find the y-intercept of a linear equation?
2. What is the significance of the slope in this context?
3. How can you interpret the graph of this equation?
4. What would the equation look like if the snow fell at a different rate?
5. Can you describe how to verify this equation with additional data points?

Tip: Always plot additional points to ensure your equation accurately represents the data.