16Hit1600
AlgebraEasy–MediumInterpreting the constant term of a linear model

Algebra practice question

A club's membership m months after it opened is modelled by N(m) = 320 + 45m. What is the best interpretation of the number 320 in this context?

  1. A. The club had 320 members when it opened.Correct
  2. B. The club gains 320 members each month.
  3. C. The club will have 320 members after 45 months.
  4. D. The club's membership is capped at 320.

Answer: A. The club had 320 members when it opened.

At m = 0, N(0) = 320: the membership at opening. The 45 is the monthly gain.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The club gains 320 members each month.
The monthly gain is 45, the coefficient of m.
C. The club will have 320 members after 45 months.
N(45) = 320 + 45(45), far more than 320.
D. The club's membership is capped at 320.
The model has no cap; it grows without bound.

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