To determine which of the given equations describe growth slower than the Nuttall Oak, we need to understand the growth rates specified by each equation. The Nuttall Oak grows between 7 to 8 feet per year. We will compare this growth rate range to the growth rates given by each equation.
Here, we have four equations where [tex]\( h \)[/tex] represents height in feet and [tex]\( t \)[/tex] represents time in years:
- A. [tex]\( h = 5t \)[/tex]
- B. [tex]\( h = 8.5t \)[/tex]
- C. [tex]\( h = 10t \)[/tex]
- D. [tex]\( h = 50t \)[/tex]
For each equation, the coefficient of [tex]\( t \)[/tex] represents the constant growth rate (in feet per year):
1. Equation A: [tex]\( h = 5t \)[/tex]
- Growth rate: 5 feet/year
2. Equation B: [tex]\( h = 8.5t \)[/tex]
- Growth rate: 8.5 feet/year
3. Equation C: [tex]\( h = 10t \)[/tex]
- Growth rate: 10 feet/year
4. Equation D: [tex]\( h = 50t \)[/tex]
- Growth rate: 50 feet/year
Next, we compare each growth rate with the growth rate of the Nuttall Oak (7 to 8 feet per year):
- Equation A has a growth rate of 5 feet/year, which is slower than the Nuttall Oak's growth rate (7 to 8 feet/year).
- Equation B has a growth rate of 8.5 feet/year, which is faster than the Nuttall Oak's growth rate.
- Equation C has a growth rate of 10 feet/year, which is faster than the Nuttall Oak's growth rate.
- Equation D has a growth rate of 50 feet/year, which is significantly faster than the Nuttall Oak's growth rate.
Therefore, the only equation that describes growth slower than the Nuttall Oak's growth rate is:
- A. [tex]\( h = 5t \)[/tex]
So the correct answer is:
A. [tex]\( h = 5t \)[/tex]
