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The number of ounces of cereal and the number of Calories the cereal contains. Tell whether the two quantities vary directly. Explain your reasoning

User Rjovic
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Final answer:

Two quantities, ounces of cereal and Calories, vary directly if the ratio of calories per ounce is constant. However, claims that cereal consumption directly causes a healthy weight are not necessarily causational; they could be correlational. A direct variation can be calculated using given values for protein, carbohydrates, and fat in the cereal.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine if the number of ounces of cereal and the number of Calories the cereal contains vary directly, one would look for a consistent ratio of calories per ounce across different servings. Considering the nutritional information provided, we find that 1 serving of a breakfast cereal usually contains 110 Cal. If every serving with the same weight has the same number of calories, then we can say there is a direct variation.

However, it's important to note that claims about cereal and maintaining a healthy weight based on correlation do not establish causation. Eating cereal may be associated with healthier weights, but it's not necessarily the cause. Healthy individuals may choose to eat cereal, which is different from cereal causing healthiness. A balanced diet and lifestyle contains many factors that contribute to a person's weight.

Using a given set of nutritional values, we can calculate the Total Calorie content of cereal (using 9.1 Cal/g for fat, 4.1 Cal/g for carbs, and 4.1 Cal/g for protein). For example, if a serving of cereal contains 3 g of protein, 18 g of carbohydrates, and 6 g of fat, we use the provided Calorie values to calculate: (3 g x 4.1 Cal/g) + (18 g x 4.1 Cal/g) + (6 g x 9.1 Cal/g), which equals 12.3 Cal from protein, 73.8 Cal from carbohydrates, and 54.6 Cal from fat, resulting in a total of 140.7 Cal.

User Shashith Darshana
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