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Algebra / Linear functions Difficulty: Easy

The function $f$ defined by $f (t) = 14 t + 9$ gives the estimated length, in inches, of a vine plant $t$ months after Tavon purchased it. Which of the following is the best interpretation of $9$ in this context?

Tavon will keep the vine plant for $9$ months.

The vine plant is expected to grow $9$ inches each month.

The vine plant is expected to grow to a maximum length of $9$ inches.

The estimated length of the vine plant was $9$ inches when Tavon purchased it.

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Explanation

Choice D is correct. It's given that the function $f$ defined by $f (t) = 14 t + 9$ gives the estimated length, in inches, of a vine plant $t$ months after Tavon purchased it. For a function defined by an equation of the form $f (t) = m t + b$ , where $m$ and $b$ are constants, $b$ represents the value of $f left parenthesis 0 right parenthesis$ , or the value of $f (t)$ when the value of $t$ is $0$ . Therefore, for the function defined by $f (t) = 14 t + 9$ , $9$ represents the value of $f (t)$ when the value of $t$ is $0$ . This means that $0$ months after the vine plant was purchased, the estimated length of the vine plant was $9$ inches. Therefore, the best interpretation of $9$ in this context is the estimated length of the vine plant was $9$ inches when Tavon purchased it.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice B is incorrect. The vine plant is expected to grow $14$ inches, not $9$ inches, each month.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.