To analyze the slope and the weight gain of the elephant calf, we need to break down the information given:
- The calf is born weighing 282 pounds.
- It gains about 2.5 pounds each day.
- After one year (365 days), it weighs approximately 1,195 pounds.
Given that the calf gains 2.5 pounds daily, the total weight gain over one year can be calculated:
Weight gain in one year = Daily gain × Number of days = 2.5 pounds/day × 365 days = 912.5 pounds
Adding the initial weight gives us: Initial weight + Total weight gain = Final weight 282 pounds + 912.5 pounds = 1,194.5 pounds (approximately 1,195 pounds as stated).
Now, let's evaluate the slope interpretations from the options provided:
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The calf gains 737 pounds over 182 days.
- This is not correct since 182 days would be around half a year, and with daily gains of 2.5 pounds, the gain over that period would be 182 × 2.5 = 455 pounds.
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The calf gains an average of 1,195 pounds over one year of life.
- This statement is misleading because it implies the total weight at the end of the year. The gain is actually the difference from the initial weight, not the total.
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The calf gains 5 pounds every 2 days.
- This is accurate, as if the calf gains 2.5 pounds per day, then over 2 days it would gain 2.5 × 2 = 5 pounds.
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The calf gains 365 pounds in 913 days.
- This is incorrect, as the weight gain per day over that period leads to a much larger total weight gain than 365 pounds.
Based on this breakdown, the correct interpretation of the slope is:
The calf gains 5 pounds every 2 days.
1 answer