Question

the equation for the line of best fit is ( y = 4x + 7 ). according to the equation, which of these statements is true? the tomato plant was about 7 inches tall when polly planted it. the tomato plant grew about 4 inches every 7 weeks.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the linear equation \(y = 4x+7\)

In the linear equation \(y = mx + b\) (where \(m\) is the slope and \(b\) is the \(y\) - intercept). Here, \(m = 4\) (rate of change) and \(b=7\) (initial value).

Step2: Interpret the \(y\) - intercept

When \(x = 0\) (at the time of planting, \(x\) represents weeks after planting), \(y=4\times0 + 7=7\). This means the initial height (when \(x = 0\)) is 7 inches.

Step3: Interpret the slope

The slope \(m = 4\) means the height \(y\) increases by 4 inches for each unit increase in \(x\) (each week). It does not mean 4 inches every 7 weeks.

Answer:

The tomato plant was about 7 inches tall when Polly planted it.