Question

Why is the answer 8.75? Plz explain.

Answer 1

$\bf \stackrel{\textit{initial length of the snake at 0 months, a = 0}}{L=\cfrac{7}{4}(0+5)\implies L=\cfrac{35}{4}\implies L=8.75} \\\\\\ \stackrel{\textit{length of the snake at 5 months, a = 5}}{L=\cfrac{7}{4}(5+5)\implies L=\cfrac{70}{4}\implies L=17.5}$

since the snake is 8.75 inches originally, over the next 5 months it grew to 17.5, so the difference of 17.5 - 8.75 = 8.75, meaning the snake really grew only 8.75 inches over the 5 months, from its original 8.75 inches in length.

 Courtesy of @Banabanana.

Answer 2

It's asking how long does a garden snake grow over 5 months instead of the length of the five-month-old garden snake. So the calculation is L=7/4*5=8.75. If it's hard to understand, try subtract the length of the snake when it's 1 month old from the length of the snake when it's 6 months old. You'll get the same answer.