Question

everal students performed an experiment by dropping marbles that are uniform in size into a jar partially filled with water. They measured the height of the water in the jar after every five marbles. The results are shown in the table.

Water Displacement
Number of Marbles, x Height of Water, w(x) (inches)
0 5
5 5.5
10 6
15 6.5

Based on the table, which function models this situation?

A
w(x) = 0.5x + 5
B
w(x) = 5x + 5
C
w(x) = 0.1x +5
D
w(x) = 10x + 5

Answer 1

C

Each 5 marbles raises the water 0.5 in, so each marble raises it 0.5/5 = 0.1 in. With w(0)=5, the linear model is w(x)=0.1x+5.