Aliyah1981 0
If a line on a graph is approximately the distance (y) in feet a person walks in (x) hours. What does the slope of the line represent? And how is the graph usefull?
a few moments ago

Question

Aliyah1981  0
 If a line on a graph is approximately the distance (y) in feet a person walks in (x) hours.  What does the slope of the line represent?  And how is the graph usefull?
a few moments ago

e.mccormick · Answer

First, have you heard a few different definitions of slope?

anonymous · Answer

No

e.mccormick · Answer

Ever seen:$$\frac{rise}{run}\;\mathrm{or}\;\frac{\Delta y}{\Delta x}$$

anonymous · Answer

Yes

e.mccormick · Answer

Here, the second one is important, $\frac{\Delta y}{\Delta x}$.  Do you know what the delta $(\Delta)$ part of that means?

anonymous · Answer

No

e.mccormick · Answer

Ah, they chose Delta for Difference, the Difference in Y over the Difference in X.  However, this is more commonly called the Change in Y over the Change in X.  So, if you think about it as the changes, what are Y and X in your problem.  Put them in there verbally as "The change in...."

e.mccormick · Answer

Here is a related concep:  Ever heard of a car being rated in MPH?

anonymous · Answer

No

e.mccormick · Answer

Miles Per Hour, where Per is another way to say Divided By.

anonymous · Answer

Ok

e.mccormick · Answer

That is the speed of a car, MPH.  So, with that in mind, take another look at your problem.

e.mccormick · Answer

Any ideas yet?

anonymous · Answer

No

e.mccormick · Answer

Well, there is no car in this... just a person....  and there is no driving, just walkng... so, if I say they are somehow similar, there is some sort of relationship there.