Question

Margaret’s new kitten weighs 2/3 pound. She estimates it will gain about another 1/3 pound each week for the next few months. Which equation represents the relationship Margaret expects to see between the kitten’s weight, p, and the number of weeks that pass, w?

Answer 1

`p = (1)/(3)w + (2)/(3)`

Explanation:

The kitten gains 1/3 lb each week.

In 1 week, it gains 1/3 * 1 lb.

In 2 weeks, it gains 1/3 * 2 lb.

In 3 weeks, it gains 1/3 * 3 lb.

In w weeks it gains 1/3 * w lb.

The kitten started at 2/3 lb, so when you add what it gains per week, you get

2/3 + 1/3 w

The function is:

`p = (1)/(3)w + (2)/(3)`