Question

The distance, y, in centimeters, of an ant from a hole in the tree for a certain amount of time, x, in seconds, is shown in the graph, photo above

Part A: Is the graph linear or nonlinear? Explain your answer. (2 points)
Part B: In which segments is the graph increasing, decreasing, and constant? (3 points)
Part C: In your own words, describe the motion of the ant, as shown on the graph (6 points)

Answer 1

Part A: it is linear because it is not curving and it consists of straight lines.

Part B: in side A it is increasing because it has a positive slope. In side b it is constant because the slope is 0 since it is straight. Finally, side C is decreasing because the slope is negative.

Part C: during side A the ant is crawling out of the hole in 2 seconds. After that, the ant stops for 2 more seconds as shown in side B. Then, he crawls back into the hole as shown by the decrease in distance due to the slope.

Explanation:

Answer 2

a. The graph is non-linear. If the graph was linear, it would be one continuous straight line.

b. The graph is increasing from x = 0 to x = 2, constant at x = 2 to x = 3, and decreasing from x = 3 to x = 5. So, [0, 2) is increasing, [2, 3) is constant, and [3, 5] is decreasing.

c. The ant starts to travel 6 cm away from the nest for 2 seconds. Between 2 to 3 seconds, it stays the same distance away. Then, after 3 seconds, it comes back to the base. At 5 seconds, it has returned.

Explanation: