The equation \( c = 5 + 12x \) can be interpreted where \( c \) represents the total amount of money Julia earns, \( 5 \) represents a fixed amount, and \( 12 \) is the coefficient of the variable \( x \), which likely represents the number of hours Julia works.
Here's the breakdown of the options provided:
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a: "Julia earns $5 every hour for her pet sitting job." – This is incorrect because the $5 is a fixed amount (the initial amount), not an hourly rate.
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b: "Julia earns $12 every hour for her pet sitting job." – This is correct as the coefficient \( 12 \) represents Julia's earnings per hour.
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c: "The total amount of money Julia earns." – This statement describes the entire equation \( c \), not just the coefficient.
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d: "The initial amount of money Julia has in her pocket." – This correctly describes the \( 5 \), which is the starting amount before she starts earning.
The most accurate interpretation of the coefficient \( 12 \) in this context is:
b: Julia earns $12 every hour for her pet sitting job.