Question

megans plant
week | plant height (in)
1 | 4.5
2 | 7
3 | 9.5
4 | 12
(graph with points (1,5), (2,7), (3,9), (4,11))
options:

• suzannes at 2 inches per week
• suzannes at 1.5 inches per week
• megans at 3 inches per week
• megans at 2.5 inches per week

Explanation:

Step1: Identify two points for Megan's plant

We can use the table or the graph. Let's take week 1 (x=1, height=5) and week 2 (x=2, height=7) from the graph (or table: week 1: 4.5, week 2:7 – but graph has (1,5), (2,7) which we can use for slope).

Step2: Calculate the slope (rate of growth)

The formula for slope (rate) is $m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$. Using points (1, 5) and (2, 7):
$m = \frac{7 - 5}{2 - 1} = \frac{2}{1} = 2$? Wait, but let's check with table values. Week 1: 4.5, Week 2:7. So $m = \frac{7 - 4.5}{2 - 1} = 2.5$. Wait, the graph points: (1,5), (2,7), (3,9), (4,11). Let's use (1,5) and (4,11). $m = \frac{11 - 5}{4 - 1} = \frac{6}{3} = 2$? No, wait (1,5), (2,7): 7-5=2, 2-1=1, slope 2. But table week 1:4.5, week 2:7. 7-4.5=2.5, 2-1=1, slope 2.5. Wait the graph points: (1,5) – maybe the graph is a model, but the table is actual. Wait the options have Megan's at 2.5. Let's recalculate with table:

Week 1: 4.5, Week 2:7, Week 3:9.5, Week 4:12.

Using week 1 (x=1, y=4.5) and week 2 (x=2, y=7):

Slope $m = \frac{7 - 4.5}{2 - 1} = 2.5$

Or week 1 to week 3: (9.5 - 4.5)/(3 - 1) = 5/2 = 2.5.

Or week 2 to week 4: (12 - 7)/(4 - 2) = 5/2 = 2.5.

So the rate is 2.5 inches per week. Let's check the options: "Megan’s at 2.5 inches per week" is an option.

Answer:

Megan’s at 2.5 inches per week