Question

a graph is drawn to represent a relationship between distance, \\(d\\), and time, \\(t\\).

which situation could be represented on the graph?

each point shows the distance, in feet, above the ground of a falling object after \\(t\\) seconds, where the falling speed increases as time increases.
each point shows the distance, in feet, covered \\(t\\) seconds after a brake is applied, where the speed of the car decreases by a constant factor.
each point shows the distance, in feet, traveled by an airplane on a runway by gradually increasing speed \\(t\\) seconds after being approved for takeoff.
each point shows the remaining distance, in feet, to the finish line of a race \\(t\\) seconds after a runner begins the final stretch and runs at a constant speed.

Explanation:

Analyze the graph's shape

The graph shows discrete points representing distance \(d\) versus time \(t\). These points lie along a straight line that slopes downward from left to right, indicating a constant negative rate of change.

Interpret the constant rate

Using the Linear Rate of Change knowledge point, a straight line represents a constant rate of change. Since the slope is negative, the distance \(d\) decreases by a constant amount for each unit increase in time \(t\).

Evaluate the options

Using the Slope Interpretation knowledge point, we analyze each scenario:

• Option 1: A falling object's speed increases, meaning the distance fallen per second increases over time (non-linear curve).
• Option 2: A car braking with speed decreasing by a constant factor describes exponential decay, which is non-linear.
• Option 3: An airplane accelerating on a runway has an increasing speed, meaning distance increases non-linearly.
• Option 4: A runner running at a constant speed means the remaining distance to the finish line decreases by a constant amount each second, which perfectly matches the linear downward trend.

Answer:

• (A) Each point shows the distance, in feet, above the ground of a falling object after \(t\) seconds, where the falling speed increases as time increases.
• (B) Each point shows the distance, in feet, covered \(t\) seconds after a brake is applied, where the speed of the car decreases by a constant factor.
• (C) Each point shows the distance, in feet, traveled by an airplane on a runway by gradually increasing speed \(t\) seconds after being approved for takeoff.
• (D) Each point shows the remaining distance, in feet, to the finish line of a race \(t\) seconds after a runner begins the final stretch and runs at a constant speed. (Correct answer)