Graph Analysis: Modeling Length (Y) vs. Time (X) for a Burning Candle

Linear Functions with Physical Modeling

Choose the graph that represents the following:


The length of a burning candle (Y) according to burning time (X).

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Choose the graph that represents the following:


The length of a burning candle (Y) according to burning time (X).

2

Step-by-step solution

Given that the velocity is directly proportional to the acceleration and given that the acceleration is constant, the graph must be a straight line.

The diagram that describes this is (d).

3

Final Answer

WeatherSail length000

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Linear Relationship: Candle length decreases at constant rate over time
  • Graph Characteristics: Negative slope line from maximum length to zero
  • Verification: Check that y-intercept shows initial length and endpoint reaches zero ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Choosing graphs with positive slope or curves
    Don't select upward sloping or curved graphs = physically impossible burning! A candle can't grow longer or burn at changing rates. Always choose a straight line with negative slope showing steady decrease from initial length to zero.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Is the function in the graph decreasing? yx

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why must the graph be a straight line?

+

A candle burns at a constant rate, meaning it loses the same amount of length each minute. This creates a linear relationship - always a straight line on a graph.

Should the line go up or down?

+

The line must go down (negative slope) because the candle gets shorter as time passes. An upward line would mean the candle is growing, which is impossible!

Where should the line start and end?

+

Start at the y-intercept showing the candle's original length when time = 0. End when the candle is completely burned (length = 0).

What if the candle burns faster or slower?

+

The graph is still a straight line, but the slope changes. Faster burning = steeper negative slope. Slower burning = gentler negative slope. Always linear though!

Can the line ever curve?

+

No! A curved line would mean the burning rate changes over time. Real candles burn at roughly constant rates, so the relationship stays linear.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Functions questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations