A biology student wanted to study the effect of fertilizer on the growth of tomato plants. He placed an equal number of tomato plants into two containers. Each day for one week, Container A received only water, while Container [tex]$B$[/tex] received a mixture of fertilizer solution.

The table below shows the average height of the plants over the course of the experiment.

\begin{tabular}{|c|c|c|}
\hline
Day & Container A - Average height [tex]$(cm)$[/tex] & Container B - Average height [tex]$(cm)$[/tex] \\
\hline
1 & 3.0 & 3.0 \\
2 & 3.2 & 3.3 \\
3 & 3.3 & 3.9 \\
4 & 3.5 & 4.3 \\
5 & 3.7 & 4.6 \\
6 & 3.8 & 4.9 \\
7 & 3.9 & 5.1 \\
\hline
\end{tabular}

Which of these statements best describes the results shown in the table?

A. The plants in Container A grew taller than those in Container B.
B. The plants in Container B grew taller than those in Container A.
C. There was no difference in the growth of plants between the two containers.
D. Both containers showed the same rate of growth.



Answer :

To analyze the effect of the fertilizer on the growth of the tomato plants, let’s look at the data provided, focusing on the average height of the plants over a week for both containers.

Here is a concise representation of the heights:

- Day 1: Container A: 3.0 cm, Container B: 3.0 cm
- Day 2: Container A: 3.2 cm, Container B: 3.3 cm
- Day 3: Container A: 3.3 cm, Container B: 3.9 cm
- Day 4: Container A: 3.5 cm, Container B: 4.3 cm
- Day 5: Container A: 3.7 cm, Container B: 4.6 cm
- Day 6: Container A: 3.8 cm, Container B: 4.9 cm
- Day 7: Container A: 3.9 cm, Container B: 5.1 cm

To accurately describe the results, we need to look at the overall growth in both containers over the week.

1. Initial height (Day 1):
- Both containers A and B start at 3.0 cm.

2. Final height (Day 7):
- Container A reaches a height of 3.9 cm.
- Container B reaches a height of 5.1 cm.

Now, let’s determine the total growth in both containers:

- Growth in Container A:
- Final height - Initial height
- \(3.9 \, \text{cm} - 3.0 \, \text{cm} = 0.9 \, \text{cm} \)

- Growth in Container B:
- Final height - Initial height
- \(5.1 \, \text{cm} - 3.0 \, \text{cm} = 2.1 \, \text{cm} \)

By comparing these heights, we see that the plants in Container B (with fertilizer) grew more than the plants in Container A (only water). Specifically, the plants in Container B grew by an additional 1.2 cm (\(2.1 \, \text{cm} - 0.9 \, \text{cm} \)) compared to those in Container A.

Best Description of the Results:

The data indicates that the fertilizer had a positive effect on the growth of the tomato plants. The plants in Container B, which received the fertilizer solution, showed significantly greater growth over the week compared to the plants in Container A, which received only water.