Question

Drag each tile to the correct box.

The water level of a tank every minute since it began filling is indicated by segments A, B, and C on the graph below.



Place the segments in the correct order from the least to the greatest rate of increase in the water level.

B
A
C

Answer 1

B, C, A

Explanation:

The greater the slope, the greater the rate of increase is.

Method 1: Read the graph

A steeper line has a greater slope than a less steep line.

You can answer just by looking at the graph and determining the order of steepness of the segments from least to greatest.

The order from least to greatest steepness is: B, C, A.

Method 2: Calculate slopes

You can also answer by calculating the slope of each segment and putting the slopes in order from least to greatest.

slope = rise/run = (change in y)/(change in x)

Segment A: slope = (60 - 10)/(2 - 0) = 50/2 = 25

Segment B: slope = (80 - 60)/(6 - 2) = 20/4 = 5

Segment C: slope = (110 - 80)/(9 - 6) = 30/3 = 10

Order of slopes from least to greatest: 5, 10, 25

Order of corresponding segment from least to greatest rate of increase:

B, C, A

Answer 2

BCA

Explanation:

The rate of increase of water level is indicated by the slope of the segment. The slope is the ratio of rise to run, and is related to the angle the segment makes with the +x axis.

Segments that have more rise for the same run have greater slope. Segments that make a larger reference angle with the +x axis have a larger slope.

Here, segment B has the least slope, followed by C, then A, which has the largest slope.

In order, least to greatest slope, the segments are B, C, A.