To interpret the slope of the graph of the hot air balloon's ascent, we need to understand what it represents. The slope of a line on a graph indicates the rate of change, which in this case represents the height of the hot air balloon in relation to time.
If the graph shows the height in feet per hundred (meaning if the height increases by 100 feet, it is represented by 1 unit on the y-axis), the slope might be the change in height (in hundreds of feet) per unit of time (in minutes).
To determine the specific rate, we can analyze the given responses:
- For every four minutes that pass, the balloon rises 200 feet.
- For every four minutes that pass, the balloon rises 400 feet.
- For every 2 minutes, the balloon rises 400 feet.
- The balloon will be at 200 feet when it is launched.
Given the context, the most accurate interpretation of the slope of the graph would capture the rate at which height increases over time.
Without the actual numbers or the graph to see how much height corresponds to how much time, we can make an educated assumption based on the phrasing. Generally, for every 2 minutes or 4 minutes progression, we would expect that there is a consistent rate reflecting an ascent indicative of the slope.
From the options provided, if we had to guess based on common rates of ascent for hot air balloons and if we assume a reasonable steady ascent, the response that states "For every 2 minutes, the balloon rises 400 feet." would imply a steady and rapid ascent.
Thus, the preferable answer based on a typical interpretation of a steady and plausible rate of ascent would be "For every 2 minutes, the balloon rises 400 feet." If additional specifics of the graph were provided, we could confirm more accurately.