An elephant calf is born weighing 282 pounds and gains about 2.5 pounds each day for its first year of life. After one year, the calf weighs approximately 1,195 pounds. The graph represents the line of best fit for the data. Which of the following interpretations of the slope is accurate?

Question

(1 point)
Responses

The calf gains 5 pounds every 2 days.
The calf gains 5 pounds every 2 days.

The calf gains 737 pounds over 182 days.
The calf gains 737 pounds over 182 days.

The calf gains an average of 1,195 pounds over one year of life.
The calf gains an average of 1,195 pounds over one year of life.

The calf gains 365 pounds in 913 days.

Answer 1

To determine the accurate interpretation of the slope based on the information provided, we need to consider the calf's weight gain over its first year.

1. The calf gains 5 pounds every 2 days.

   • This is correct because if the calf gains 2.5 pounds each day, then in 2 days it would gain \(2.5 \times 2 = 5\) pounds.

2. The calf gains 737 pounds over 182 days.

   • This statement does not represent the information given since the calf is gaining weight steadily over a year (365 days) and not specifically mentioned over 182.

3. The calf gains an average of 1,195 pounds over one year of life.

   • This is misleading. The calf’s starting weight is 282 pounds, and after one year it weighs approximately 1,195 pounds, but it does not gain that much weight in total.

4. The calf gains 365 pounds in 913 days.

   • This is also not correct, as it does not correlate with the data provided.

The correct interpretation of the slope in this case is:

• The calf gains 5 pounds every 2 days.