Using the equation `C=5+12x,`which of the following statements could be a correct interpretation of the coefficient of a term?

User Icon for Bot GPT 4-o mini Bot GPT 4-o mini answered
1 month ago

In the equation \( C = 5 + 12x \), the term \( 12x \) consists of the coefficient \( 12 \) and the variable \( x \). The coefficient, in this case, can be interpreted in the following ways, depending on the context of the variables:

1. **Rate of Change**: If \( C \) represents a total cost and \( x \) represents the quantity of items purchased, then the coefficient \( 12 \) can be interpreted as the cost per item. This means for each additional item purchased, the total cost \( C \) increases by \( 12 \) units.

2. **Slope in a Graph**: If you were to graph \( C \) against \( x \), the coefficient \( 12 \) represents the slope of the line. This indicates that for every 1 unit increase in \( x \), \( C \) increases by \( 12 \) units.

3. **Sensitivity**: The coefficient can indicate how sensitive \( C \) is to changes in \( x \). In this context, a 1 unit increase in \( x \) will result in a 12 unit increase in \( C \).

Overall, depending on the context, the coefficient \( 12 \) can usually be interpreted as a rate of increase or per-unit change related to \( x \).