Question an-obj
An object hangs from a spring. The formula 
relates the length 
, 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?
The length, in centimeters, of the spring with no weight attached
The weight, in newtons, of an object that will stretch the spring 30 centimeters
The increase in the weight, in newtons, of the object for each one-centimeter increase in the length of the spring
The increase in the length, in centimeters, of the spring for each one-newton increase in the weight of the object
An object hangs from a spring. The formula relates the length , in centimeters, of the
Hard-difficulty · SAT Math · Linear Functions — Slope calculation and interpretation. Read the question above, select your answer, and check the full explanation below to understand exactly why the correct choice works.
Answer 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.
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