Question

when diego was a child, he and his dad planted a small apple tree. for the first few years, the tree grew fairly quickly at a steady rate. once it matured, it continued to grow, but at a much slower rate. which graph could show the height of the apple tree over time?

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the growth description

The tree has two growth phases: fast at first, then slow.

Step2: Analyze each graph

• The first graph: Height decreases after a certain time. Not valid as the tree continues to grow.
• The second graph: Height stops increasing (flat line) after maturity. But the problem says it continues to grow (albeit slowly).
• The third graph: Steeper slope (fast growth) initially, then a less - steep slope (slow growth). Matches the description.
• The fourth graph: Slope becomes steeper (faster growth) after a point. Opposite of the given description.

Answer:

The third graph (the one in the bottom - left)