Solved on Jan 11, 2024

Find the linear equation y=mx+by = mx + b describing a baby's weight, where the baby weighs 7 lbs at birth and gains 5 lbs every 2 months.

STEP 1

Assumptions
1. The initial weight of the baby at birth is 7 pounds.
2. The baby gains 5 pounds every 2 months.
3. The variable xx represents the age of the baby in months.
4. The variable yy represents the weight of the baby in pounds.
5. We are looking for a linear equation of the form y=mx+by = mx + b.

STEP 2

Determine the slope (mm) of the line, which represents the rate of weight gain per month.
m=Weight gain over periodTime period in monthsm = \frac{\text{Weight gain over period}}{\text{Time period in months}}

STEP 3

Calculate the slope using the given weight gain and time period.
m=5 pounds2 monthsm = \frac{5 \text{ pounds}}{2 \text{ months}}

STEP 4

Simplify the slope to get the weight gain per month.
m=52 pounds per monthm = \frac{5}{2} \text{ pounds per month}

STEP 5

Identify the y-intercept (bb) of the line, which represents the initial weight of the baby at birth (when x=0x = 0).
b=7 poundsb = 7 \text{ pounds}

STEP 6

Write the equation of the line using the slope (mm) and y-intercept (bb).
y=mx+by = mx + b

STEP 7

Substitute the values of mm and bb into the equation.
y=52x+7y = \frac{5}{2}x + 7
The equation that describes the baby's weight as a function of age in months is: y=52x+7y = \frac{5}{2}x + 7

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