To analyze the growth of Joshua's new tomato plant, we can express its height as a function of time.
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Initial Value (b): The initial value represents the height of the tomato plant at the beginning of the observation period. According to the information given, the height of the plant today is 10 inches, which represents the initial value:
\[ b = 10 \text{ inches} \]
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Rate of Change (m): The rate of change represents how much the height of the plant increases per day. Joshua's plant grows at a rate of 1.7 inches each day:
\[ m = 1.7 \text{ inches/day} \]
Therefore, the values are:
- The initial value \( b = 10 \)
- The rate of change \( m = 1.7 \)
In conclusion:
- Initial value \( b = 10 \)
- Rate of change \( m = 1.7 \)