Different amounts of fertilizer were added to the soil of identical pots, with three trials each. A control was also used as a reference.

Based on the results, how much fertilizer (in grams) should be added to the soil to achieve the best result?

\begin{tabular}{|l|l|l|l|l|l|}
\hline
\begin{tabular}{l}
Amount of \\
Fertilizer \\
Used
\end{tabular}
& \begin{tabular}{l}
Control \\
(No \\
Fertilizer)
\end{tabular}
& 20 g
& 30 g
& 40 g
& 50 g \\
\hline
\begin{tabular}{l}
Trial 1 \\
Height
\end{tabular}
& 6 in
& 9 in
& 11 in
& 16 in
& 13 in \\
\hline
Trial 2
& 7 in
& 10 in
& 13 in
& 17 in
& 12 in \\
\hline
\end{tabular}



Answer :

Certainly! Let's break down the solution step-by-step to determine the amount of fertilizer that should be added to achieve the best plant growth.

1. Given Data Collections:
- Control (No Fertilizer): 6 inches (Trial 1), 7 inches (Trial 2)
- 20 grams: 9 inches (Trial 1), 10 inches (Trial 2)
- 30 grams: 11 inches (Trial 1), 13 inches (Trial 2)
- 40 grams: 16 inches (Trial 1), 17 inches (Trial 2)
- 50 grams: 13 inches (Trial 1), 12 inches (Trial 2)

2. Calculate the average height for each condition:

- Control:
[tex]\[ \text{Average height} = \frac{6 + 7}{2} = 6.5 \text{ inches} \][/tex]

- 20 grams:
[tex]\[ \text{Average height} = \frac{9 + 10}{2} = 9.5 \text{ inches} \][/tex]

- 30 grams:
[tex]\[ \text{Average height} = \frac{11 + 13}{2} = 12.0 \text{ inches} \][/tex]

- 40 grams:
[tex]\[ \text{Average height} = \frac{16 + 17}{2} = 16.5 \text{ inches} \][/tex]

- 50 grams:
[tex]\[ \text{Average height} = \frac{13 + 12}{2} = 12.5 \text{ inches} \][/tex]

3. Compare the average heights to determine the best growth result:
- Control: 6.5 inches
- 20 grams: 9.5 inches
- 30 grams: 12.0 inches
- 40 grams: 16.5 inches
- 50 grams: 12.5 inches

The average height is highest when using 40 grams of fertilizer, which results in an average plant height of 16.5 inches.

4. Conclusion:
To achieve the best result, 40 grams of fertilizer should be added to the soil. This amount leads to the highest average plant height of 16.5 inches.