To accurately determine which plant grew at a faster rate, we need to calculate the growth rate for both Megan's and Suzanne's plants and then compare them.
### Megan's Plant Growth Rate
Megan measured her plant's height over four weeks as follows:
[tex]\[
\begin{array}{|c|c|}
\hline
\text{Week} & \text{Plant Height (in)} \\
\hline
1 & 4.5 \\
\hline
2 & 7 \\
\hline
3 & 9.5 \\
\hline
4 & 12 \\
\hline
\end{array}
\][/tex]
To find the weekly growth rate of Megan's plant, we can use the following formula for the average rate of change over the given period:
[tex]\[
\text{Growth Rate} = \frac{\text{Final Height} - \text{Initial Height}}{\text{Number of Weeks} - 1}
\][/tex]
Plugging in Megan's data:
[tex]\[
\text{Growth Rate} = \frac{12 - 4.5}{4 - 1} = \frac{7.5}{3} = 2.5 \ \text{inches per week}
\][/tex]
### Suzanne's Plant Growth Rate
Suzanne's plant grows at a constant rate. We are given that the growth rate for Suzanne's plant is:
[tex]\[
2 \ \text{inches per week}
\][/tex]
### Comparison and Conclusion
We now compare the two growth rates:
- Megan's Plant: 2.5 inches per week
- Suzanne's Plant: 2 inches per week
From the comparison, it is clear that Megan's plant grew at a faster rate of 2.5 inches per week.
Thus, the correct answer is:
d) Megan's at 2.5 inches per week
