When a flash of lightning occurs, the number of seconds elapsed until thunder is heard can be used to approximate the distance f
rom the storm. The graph models this situation. Which equation can be used to approximate the distance from a storm, y , in miles, given the number of seconds, x , that has elapsed from the moment that a flash of lightning is seen to the time thunder is heard?
After you see a flash of lightning, count the number of seconds until you hear the thunder. (Use the stop watch or count "One-Mississippi, Two-Mississippi, Three-Mississippi," etc.) For every 5 seconds the storm is one mile away. Divide the number of seconds you count by 5 to get the number of miles.