The slope of the equation y=1.2x + 8.9 indicates that for every increase of 1 month, a baby's weight increases by 1.2 pounds. It represents the rate of the baby's weight gain per month.
The slope of the equation y=1.2x + 8.9, which models a baby's weight (y) in pounds based on the baby's age in months (x), represents the average weight gain per month.
In this context, the slope is 1.2, which means that for every increase of 1 month, the baby's weight is expected to increase by 1.2 pounds.
The slope provides a rate of change, indicating how a certain variable (in this case, weight) changes in relation to another variable (in this case, time in months).
It's important to distinguish this rate of change in weight from other potential interpretations.
The slope does not indicate that for every increase of 1.2 months, the baby's weight increases by 8.9 pounds, nor does it mean that for every increase of 8.9 months, the weight goes up by 1.2 pounds.
The correct understanding is a direct comparison - for each single-month increment, there is an associated 1.2-pound increment in weight gain.