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Algebra / Linear functions Difficulty: Hard

An object hangs from a spring. The formula l equals, 30 plus 2 w relates the length l, in centimeters, of the spring to the weight w, in newtons, of the object. Which of the following describes the meaning of the 2 in this context?

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Explanation

Choice D is correct. The value 2 is multiplied by w, the weight of the object. When the weight is 0, the length is 30 + 2(0) = 30 centimeters. If the weight increases by w newtons, the length increases by 2w centimeters, or 2 centimeters for each one-newton increase in weight.


Choice A is incorrect because this describes the value 30. Choice B is incorrect because 30 represents the length of the spring before it has been stretched. Choice C is incorrect because this describes the value w.