To determine which interpretation of the slope is accurate, let's analyze the information we have:
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The elephant calf is born weighing 282 pounds and gains about 2.5 pounds each day for its first year.
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After one year (365 days), the calf's weight would be approximately:
Initial weight + (daily gain × number of days) = 282 pounds + (2.5 pounds/day × 365 days) = 282 pounds + 912.5 pounds = 1,194.5 pounds (which is approximately 1,195 pounds as stated).
The slope of the line that represents the weight gain can be calculated based on the daily weight gain:
- The calf gains 2.5 pounds per day.
Now, let's look at the options:
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The calf gains 365 pounds in 913 days. (Incorrect, as the gain is based on a daily increase, not a total gain in that duration).
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The calf gains 737 pounds over 182 days. (Incorrect based on our daily gain calculation).
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The calf gains an average of 1,195 pounds over one year of life. (Incorrect, as this describes the calf's weight at the end of a year, not the rate of weight gain).
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The calf gains 5 pounds every 2 days. (Let’s check this. If the calf gains 2.5 pounds per day, then in 2 days, it would gain 2.5 pounds/day × 2 days = 5 pounds. This statement is accurate).
Thus, the accurate interpretation of the slope is:
The calf gains 5 pounds every 2 days.
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