francis is hiking up killington hill. after 1 hour, he is at an elevation of 100 feet. after 5 hours, he is at an elevation of 360 feet. find the slope and an equation represents the scenario.

a. 65; y - 360 = 65 (x - 1)
b. 65; y - 100 = 65 (x - 5)
c. 260; y - 100 = 260 (x - 1)
d. 65; y - 360 = 65 (x - 5)

1 answer

To find the slope of the equation, we can use the formula for slope (m):

\[ m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \]

In this scenario, we have:

  • \( (x_1, y_1) = (1 \text{ hour}, 100 \text{ feet}) \)
  • \( (x_2, y_2) = (5 \text{ hours}, 360 \text{ feet}) \)

Substituting these values into the slope formula:

\[ m = \frac{360 - 100}{5 - 1} = \frac{260}{4} = 65 \]

Now that we have the slope \( m = 65 \), we can use the point-slope form of the equation of a line, which is given by:

\[ y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) \]

We can use either point. Using the first point \( (1, 100) \):

\[ y - 100 = 65(x - 1) \]

Alternatively, using the second point \( (5, 360) \):

\[ y - 360 = 65(x - 5) \]

Both forms are valid and describe the same line, but let's analyze the options:

  • a. \( y - 360 = 65(x - 1) \) – Incorrect (point used incorrectly)
  • b. \( y - 100 = 65(x - 5) \) – Incorrect (point used incorrectly)
  • c. \( y - 100 = 260(x - 1) \) – Incorrect (wrong slope used)
  • d. \( y - 360 = 65(x - 5) \) – Correct (valid point and correct slope)

Thus, the correct answer is:

d. 65; y - 360 = 65 (x - 5)