To determine which interpretation of the slope is accurate, we need to clarify what the slope represents in this context. The slope of the line in a graph showing the weight of the elephant calf over time represents the average weight gain per day.
Given that the calf gains approximately 2.5 pounds each day, the correct interpretation of the slope is:
- The calf gains an average of 2.5 pounds each day.
Now let's analyze the options:
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The calf gains an average of 1,195 pounds over one year of life.
- This is incorrect. The calf weighs approximately 1,195 pounds after one year but does not gain that much in one year.
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The calf gains 365 pounds in 913 days.
- This is incorrect as it misrepresents the weight gain over a specific period and does not relate to the daily gain of 2.5 pounds.
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The calf gains 5 pounds every 2 days.
- This is correct since if the calf gains 2.5 pounds every day, then in 2 days it would gain \(2.5 \times 2 = 5\) pounds.
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The calf gains 737 pounds over 182 days.
- This calculation is inaccurate if based on the daily gain of 2.5 pounds since \(2.5 \times 182 = 455\) pounds, not 737 pounds.
Based on this analysis, the correct interpretation of the slope is:
The calf gains 5 pounds every 2 days.