Question

A medical student is conducting a study to track boys’ weight from age 5 to age 18. The student graphs some data and determines the line of best fit is y = 1.73x + 80.13. What does the slope mean in this situation?

A.
the increase in the number of pounds a boy gains each year

B.
the decrease in the number of pounds a boy gains each year

C.
the increase in the number of years for each pound a boy gains

D.
the decrease in the number of years for each pound a boy gains

Answer 1

A. The increase in the number of pounds a boy gains each year.

Explanation:

A medical student is conducting a study to track boys’ weight from age 5 to age 18. The student graphs some data and determines the line of best fit is

y = 1.73x + 80.13 ............ (1)

where x represents the age of the boys and y represents the weight of the boy corresponding to his age.

Therefore, the slope of the equation (1) represents the increase in the number of pounds a boy gains each year. (Answer)