Final answer:
Using the function Y = 8x, substituting x with 10.5 hours gives Y = 8 * 10.5, which equals 84. Hence, the storm travels 84 miles in 10.5 hours. The correct option is a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves using the linear function Y = 8x to determine the distance traveled by a storm in a given amount of time. To solve for the number of miles a storm travels in 10.5 hours, you simply substitute x with 10.5 in the function, yielding Y = 8 * 10.5. Performing this multiplication gives Y = 84.
Therefore, the storm travels 84 miles in 10.5 hours. This is the estimated answer without graphing the function.
However, if you were to graph the function, you would plot an x (hours) vs. y (miles) graph, and it would be a straight line passing through the origin with a slope of 8. By finding the point where x is 10.5, you could visually confirm that y is indeed 84. The correct option is a.