To find the physical interpretation of the y-intercept of the graph, we need to analyze the equation y = 30x + 72.
(a) The y-intercept represents the initial temperature of the water in the tea kettle. In this case, the y-intercept is 72. Therefore, the physical interpretation of the y-intercept is that the initial temperature of the water in the tea kettle is 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
To find the temperature of the water after 3 minutes, we can substitute x = 3 into the equation y = 30x + 72.
(b) y = 30(3) + 72
= 90 + 72
= 162
After 3 minutes, the temperature of the water will be 162 degrees Fahrenheit.
To find the number of minutes it takes for the water to reach its boiling point of 212°, we set the temperature (y) equal to 212 and solve for x.
(c) 212 = 30x + 72
30x = 212 - 72
30x = 140
x = 140 / 30
x = 4.6667
After approximately 4.67 minutes, the water will reach its boiling point of 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
Answer:
(a) The physical interpretation of the y-intercept is that the initial temperature of the water in the tea kettle is 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
(b) After 3 minutes, the temperature of the water will be 162 degrees Fahrenheit.
(c) After approximately 4.67 minutes, the water will reach its boiling point of 212 degrees Fahrenheit.