The equation \( y = 7x - 3 \) represents the depth of the fish in meters below sea level (y) as a function of the time in seconds (x) that the fish has been swimming. In this context:
- The slope of the equation (7) indicates that the fish is swimming downwards, gaining depth at a rate of 7 meters per second.
- The y-intercept (-3) means that at \( x = 0\) (the starting point in time), the fish is already at a depth of 3 meters below sea level.
Putting this all together, we can interpret the equation as follows:
- The fish starts at a depth of 3 meters below sea level and then descends further into the ocean at a rate of 7 meters per second.
Overall, the statement that best describes the depth of the fish is: "The fish begins at a depth of 3 meters below sea level and descends 7 meters further below sea level each second."