To interpret the function \( h(t) = -2t + 24 \) correctly based on the information provided about the ice sculpture melting:
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Understanding the function:
- The function describes the height of the sculpture (in inches) as a function of time (in hours).
- The coefficient of \( t \) is -2, indicating that for each hour (as time increases), the height of the sculpture decreases by 2 inches.
- The initial height of the sculpture, when \( t = 0 \), is 24 inches.
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Analyzing the options:
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A. The height of the sculpture is 2 inches.: This is incorrect as the height decreases over time.
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B. The sculpture melts 2 inches each hour.: This is correct since the coefficient \(-2\) indicates a decrease of 2 inches for each hour.
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C. It takes 2 hours for the sculpture to melt completely.: This is incorrect as the initial height is 24 inches, and it would take 12 hours (24 inches / 2 inches per hour) to melt completely.
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D. It takes the sculpture twenty-four hours to melt completely.: This is also incorrect. Again, it takes 12 hours, not 24.
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Given this analysis, the correct interpretation based on the height function is:
B. The sculpture melts 2 inches each hour.