To interpret the values from the table:
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Y-intercept: The y-intercept occurs when \( x = 0 \). From the table, when \( x = 0 \), \( y = 3 \). This represents the initial height of the tree when it has just been planted (0 years). Therefore, the y-intercept is 3 feet.
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Slope: The slope can be calculated by looking at the change in the height (y) over the change in time (x). From the table:
- From \( x = 0 \) to \( x = 2 \): The height changes from 3 feet to 6 feet, which is a change of \( 6 - 3 = 3 \) feet over \( 2 - 0 = 2 \) years.
- From \( x = 2 \) to \( x = 4 \): The height changes from 6 feet to 9 feet, which is a change of \( 9 - 6 = 3 \) feet over \( 4 - 2 = 2 \) years.
In both intervals, the change in height is 3 feet over 2 years. So the slope is: \[ \text{slope} = \frac{\Delta y}{\Delta x} = \frac{3 \text{ feet}}{2 \text{ years}} = \frac{3}{2} \text{ feet/year} \]
Converting that to a whole number rate, we can state that the slope simplifies to 1.5 feet per year, but using whole numbers directly as requested emphasizes the change of 3 feet every 2 years.
Putting all of that together:
The y-intercept is 3 feet. The slope is 3 feet every 2 years.