Question

The graph below shows the relationship between two variables.

Which scenario is BEST represented by the graph?

David drove at a constant speed before slowing down in a school zone. He then increased the speed of his car.

The number of perfect test scores by students in a math class increased from the first to the second grading period and then began to decline.

After a period of slow growth, the height of a plant remained the same for 2 weeks. It was then fertilized and began to rapidly increase in height.

The number of employees at a store increased at a constant rate for 5 years. There was a decrease in the number of employees for 2 years. Then the number of employees increased at a greater constant rate for the next few years.

Answer 1

The graph adequately represents the following case

"The number of employees at a store increased at a constant rate for 5 years. There was a decrease in the number of employees for 2 years. Then the number of employees increased at a greater constant rate for the next few years."

Explanation:

To solve the above-mentioned problems we need to filter the results through analysing the options given-

We have to keep in mind that-

1. For an increase in value/quantity- the graph would be on an upswing
2. For decrease in value/quantity- The graph would be in declining mode
3. For constant value- horizontal graph line parallel to the x-axis

Now going through the options-

option 1:-

David drove at a constant speed initially- throughout the graph no horizontal line is present, hence this condition does not represent the graph.

option 2:-

test scores increased and then decline- In this condition only two phases are mentioned, whereas in the graph three different phases are present. Hence this condition too does not represent the graph.

option 3:-

After the period of slow.- The graph starts with an upswing. hence this condition too does not represent the graph.

option 4:-

Employees increased and then declined and then again increased. All the above condition corroborates to the above-mentioned graph. hence this condition is represented in the graph