A whale is swimming at a constant rate toward the ocean floor. The equation y = -9x − 5 can be used to represent this situation, where y is the depth of the whale in meters below sea level and x is the number of seconds the whale has been swimming. Which statement best describes the depth of the whale, given this equation?

C. From a starting point of 5 meters below sea level, the whale is descending 9 meters per second.

Step-by-step explanation:

Which statement best describes the depth of the whale, given this equation?

A. From a starting point of 9 meters below sea level, the whale is descending 5 meters per second.

B. From a starting point of 9 meters below sea level, the whale is ascending 5 meters per second.

C. From a starting point of 5 meters below sea level, the whale is descending 9 meters per second.

D. From a starting point of 5 meters below sea level, the whale is ascending 9 meters per second.

Solution:

A linear equation is an equation in the form y = mx + b, where m is the rate of change (slope) and b is the initial value of y when x = 0, y is a dependent variable and x is an independent variable.

Given that: y = -9x - 5

Comparing with the equation of a straight line, m = -9 and b = -5

Since m = -9, The negative sign means descending, therefore the whale is descending at 9 meters per second.

b = -5, the negative sign means below sea level, hence the starting point of the whale is 5 meters below sea level,

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step-by-step explanation: