The graph models the descent of a hot air balloon in feet per minute. What does the x-intercept tell you in this situation? (1 point) Responses The balloon starts its descent at 600 feet. The balloon starts its descent at 600 feet. The balloon is descending at a rate of 30 feet per minute. The balloon is descending at a rate of 30 feet per minute. It will take the balloon 30 minutes to land after starting the descent. It will take the balloon 30 minutes to land after starting the descent. It will take the balloon 600 minutes to descend.

1 answer

In the context of the graph modeling the descent of a hot air balloon, the x-intercept represents the time at which the balloon reaches the ground level (0 feet). Assuming the x-axis represents time in minutes and the y-axis represents height in feet, the x-intercept indicates when the balloon's height becomes zero. Therefore, the correct interpretation is:

It will take the balloon 30 minutes to land after starting the descent.

This means that at the x-intercept (30 minutes), the balloon reaches a height of 0 feet (ground level).