Question

understand systems of linear equations — instruction — level h
sarita and willow are also learning to rock climb. sarita starts 12 feet up and climbs 11 feet each minute. willow starts at the bottom and climbs 15 feet each minute.
x: number of minutes
y: height above ground
complete the statements to show what each equation represents.
the equation ( y = 11x + 12 ) represents ? after ( x ) minutes.
the equation ( y = 15x ) represents ? after ( x ) minutes.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze \( y = 11x + 12 \)

Sarita starts 12 feet up (initial height, y - intercept) and climbs 11 feet per minute (slope). So \( y = 11x + 12 \) is Sarita’s height.

Step2: Analyze \( y = 15x \)

Willow starts at the bottom (initial height 0) and climbs 15 feet per minute. So \( y = 15x \) is Willow’s height.

Answer:

The equation \( y = 11x + 12 \) represents Sarita's height above ground after \( x \) minutes.
The equation \( y = 15x \) represents Willow's height above ground after \( x \) minutes.