Question

the equation for the line of best fit is $y = 1.25x + 0.2$. according to the equation, which of these statements is true? maple trees grow about 1.25 feet per year. maple trees grow about 0.2 feet per year.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the slope - intercept form of a line

The equation of a line is \(y = mx + b\), where \(m\) is the slope and \(b\) is the \(y\) - intercept. In the context of a linear model for growth, the slope \(m\) represents the rate of change.

Step2: Identify the slope in the given equation

For the equation \(y = 1.25x+0.2\), comparing it with \(y = mx + b\), we have \(m = 1.25\) and \(b = 0.2\). Here, \(x\) represents the age (in years) and \(y\) represents the height (in feet). The slope \(m = 1.25\) means that for each unit increase in \(x\) (each additional year), \(y\) (height) increases by \(1.25\) units (feet).

Answer:

Maple trees grow about 1.25 feet per year.