To find the equation that describes the relationship between \( t \) (time in hours) and \( N \) (number of pages remaining), we can analyze the data presented in the table.
The number of pages remaining decreases by 40 pages for each hour that passes. We can express this decrease in terms of a linear equation.
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Identify the slope: As time increases by 1 hour, the number of pages decreases by 40: \[ \text{slope} = -40 \]
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Identify the intercept: When \( t = 0 \), \( N = 360 \). This means the y-intercept (the value of \( N \) when \( t = 0 \)) is 360.
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Form the equation: The general form of a linear equation is: \[ N = mt + b \] where \( m \) is the slope and \( b \) is the y-intercept.
Plugging in the values we have: \[ N = -40t + 360 \]
From the choices given, the correct answer that matches this equation is:
B. \( N = -40t + 360 \).