Final answer:
The rate of change of the height of the plant in inches per hour of sunlight is 2 inches per hour.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rate of change of the height of the plant in inches per hour of sunlight can be determined by analyzing the table provided. The rate of change is calculated by comparing the change in height to the change in duration of sunlight. For example, if the plant grew 4 inches when exposed to 2 hours of sunlight, the rate of change would be 4 inches/2 hours = 2 inches per hour. To find the rate of change for each row in the table, divide the change in height by the change in duration of sunlight for that row. The rate of change is the same for all rows, which is 2 inches per hour. Therefore, the correct answer is a) 2 inches per hour.