Use the image to answer the question.

Question

600-
y
400-
200-
0+
0
10
20
X
30
The graph models the descent of a hot air balloon in feet per minute. What
does the y-intercept tell you in this situation?
(1 point)
The balloon takes 0 minutes to descend 600 feet.
The balloon rises 600 feet.
The balloon starts its descent at 600 feet.
It will take the balloon 600 minutes to descend.

Answer 1

The y-intercept of a graph represents the value of \( y \) when \( x \) is 0. In this context, it indicates the height of the hot air balloon at the start of its descent, which is at 600 feet. Therefore, the correct answer is:

The balloon starts its descent at 600 feet.