Final answer:
The correct equation reflecting Noa's altitude relative to sea level after x hours, increasing at 740 meters per hour from the Dead Sea, should be y = 740x - 430. However, the given options do not include this correct initial value, and if we must choose the closest one, it would be d) y = 740x - 710, acknowledging a potential initial value mistake.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the equation for Noa's altitude as a function of the number of hours, we need to consider the initial altitude and the rate of altitude change. Noa's altitude increases at a constant rate of 740 meters per hour. Therefore, the change in altitude (y) after a certain number of hours (x) is directly proportional to the time traveled, and the constant of proportionality is the rate of increase in altitude. Since the Dead Sea's surface is at approximately -430 meters below sea level (the lowest land elevation on Earth), the initial altitude, or y-intercept, should reflect this starting point.
Taking this into account, the correct equation for Noa's altitude as a function of time is y = 740x - 430. However, none of the given options include the correct initial altitude of -430 meters. If we ignore the specifics of the numbers and look for an equation that increases over time, the best match from the provided options is y = 740x, assuming a starting point of 0 meters, which is not correct for the Dead Sea, but represents a constant rate of increase.
Thus, if there was a transcription error and the options provided are not accurate, the correct equation should include Noa's altitude increasing at 740 meters per hour from the initial point at the Dead Sea, which would technically be y = 740x - 430. If we must choose from the provided options under the assumption that the initial altitude is incorrectly stated, the option d) y = 740x - 710 would be the choice that most closely resembles the structure of the correct equation, despite the initial altitude being incorrect.