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Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisMediumInterpreting the y-intercept of a model

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

The number of visitors y to a small museum on a day when x tour buses arrive is modelled by y = 4x + 12. Which of the following is the best interpretation of the number 12 in this model?

  1. A. The predicted number of visitors on a day when no tour buses arriveCorrect
  2. B. The number of visitors each tour bus brings
  3. C. The number of tour buses on a typical day
  4. D. The maximum number of visitors in a day

Answer: A. The predicted number of visitors on a day when no tour buses arrive

When x = 0, y = 12: the visitors who come without any bus.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The number of visitors each tour bus brings
Visitors per bus is the slope, 4.
C. The number of tour buses on a typical day
The model doesn't say how many buses arrive on a typical day.
D. The maximum number of visitors in a day
The model has no maximum; y grows with x.

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