Final answer:
The values of the variables in the context of a receding river water level are b: 34, y: water level after certain days, m: -0.5 (negative due to decrease), and x: number of days. The correct option that represents these variables is a: b: 34, y: 0.5, m: -1, x: d.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question requires the identification of values of b, y, m, and x within the context of the scenario described. We are given that a river's water level is 34 feet and is receding at a rate of 0.5 foot per day. Drawing from the standard form of the equation for a line, y = mx + b, where y is the dependent variable, m is the slope (rate of change), x is the independent variable, and b is the y-intercept, we can assign the values accordingly:
- The initial water level of the river, which is 34 feet, would be the y-intercept (b).
- The rate at which the water level changes, -0.5 foot per day, would be the slope (m), considering it a negative value since the level is receding.
- The number of days the river has been receding would be the independent variable (x).
- The water level after a certain number of days (y).
Therefore, the correct identification of the variables is:
- b: 34
- y: water level of the river after a number of days
- m: -0.5 (rate of change per day)
- x: number of days
The correct option that represents these variables is option a: b: 34, y: 0.5, m: -1 (since the rate is negative as the water level is decreasing), x: d.