Question

Finding and Comparing Rates of Change
Plant A: A graph has time (weeks) on the x-axis, and height (inches) on the y-axis. A line goes through points (0, 3), (1, 4.8), (2, 6.6), (3, 8.4). Plant B: A 2-column table with 3 rows. Column 1 is labeled Weeks with entries 2, 3, 4. Column 2 is labeled Height (inches) with entries 7.3, 8.7, 10.1.

Use the data for each plant’s growth to determine and compare the rates of change.
How fast does Plant A grow each week?


How fast does Plant B grow each week?


Which plant grows faster each week

Answer 1

Plant A: slope = (4.8−3)/(1−0) = 1.8 in/week (also 6.6−4.8 = 1.8, etc.)

Plant B: slope = (8.7−7.3)/(3−2) = 1.4 in/week (also 10.1−8.7 = 1.4)

Comparison: Plant A grows faster — 1.8 in/week vs. 1.4 in/week (0.4 in/week faster).