In this context, we can break down the information provided to determine the initial value and the rate of change for Joshua's new tomato plant.
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Initial Value (b): This is the height of the tomato plant at the start of the observation period (today). Since the plant's height today is 10 inches, the initial value is: \[ b = 10 \text{ inches} \]
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Rate of Change (m): This is the daily growth rate of the plant. The plant grows 1.7 inches each day, so the rate of change is: \[ m = 1.7 \text{ inches/day} \]
Thus, the initial value and the rate of change can be summarized as follows:
- The initial value is \( b = 10 \) inches.
- The rate of change is \( m = 1.7 \) inches/day.