8

Set 11: Linear Functions (Intermediate)

Explanation

Answer: A

Which scenario is best modeled by a linear function?

A.

A car driving at a constant speed

✓ Correct
B.

Bacteria doubling every hour

C.

A ball thrown in the air falling down

D.

The area of a square as side length increases

Detailed Explanation

Choice A is correct. Choice A is the correct answer. Constant rate of change. 1. Linear: Requires a constant rate (slope). 2. Car: Constant speed = Constant rate of change of distance. 3. Bacteria: Doubling is exponential. 4. Ball: Gravity causes acceleration (Quadratic). 5. Area: A=s2A = s^2 (Quadratic). Strategic Tip: Look for "constant rate" or "per unit" without multipliers. Choice B is incorrect (Exponential). Choice C is incorrect (Quadratic). Choice D is incorrect (Quadratic).

Key Steps:

The correct answer is A car driving at a constant speed

Why others are wrong:
B: Choice B is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.
C: Choice C is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.
D: Choice D is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.

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