Question

Jesse takes two data points from the weight and feed cost data set to calculate a slope, or average rate of change. A ferret weighs 2.1 pounds and costs $3.40 per week to feed, while a Labrador Retriever weighs 70 pounds and costs $7.50 per week to feed. Using weight as the explanatory variable, what is the slope of the line between these two points?

Answer 1

Answer:

$m = 12.33$

Step-by-step explanation:

Given

Ferret:

$Weight = 2.1lb$

$Cost = \ 3.40$

Labrador Retriever

$Weight = 70lb$

$Cost = \ 7.50$

Required

Determine the slope

Represent the given as x or y

Taking the weight as explanatory variable;

We have:

x = 2.1; y = 3.4

x = 7.5; y = 70

Slope is calculated as:

$m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$

$m = \frac{70 - 3.4}{7.5 -2.1}$

$m = \frac{66.6}{5.4}$

$m = 12.33$

Hence, the slope is 12.33