A beanstalk grows at a constant rate. The beanstalk s height (inches) as a function of time (days) is modeled by . What is the beanstalk s initial height?
A) 5.5 inches
B) 5 inches
C) 0.5 inches
D) 0 inches
E) Not enough information

Question

A beanstalk grows at a constant rate. The beanstalk s height (inches) as a function of time (days) is modeled by  . What is the beanstalk s initial height?
A) 5.5 inches 
B) 5 inches 
C) 0.5 inches 
D) 0 inches 
E) Not enough information

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The coefficient of the time term is 5, indicating that the rate of growth is 5 inches per day. Since the function is of the form f(t) = 5t + b, where b represents the initial height, we can deduce that the initial height is b = f(0) = 5(0) + b = 0 + b. Thus, the initial height is b = 5 inches.

A Beanstalk Grows at a Constant Rate