Chapter 1, Problem 54A

(a)

To determine

Whether the slope of the graph between speed and reaction is positive or negative.

Answer to Problem 54A

Positive slope.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Slope measures the relation between two variables. Slope is calculated by the ratio of the vertical change versus the horizontal change in the values of the variables when plotted on a graph. It can be positive, negative or zero.

A positive slope represents a direct relation which means that when one variable increases, the other variable also increases. Negative slope represents an inverse relation which means that one variable increases, the other variable decreases. A slope of zero means that there is a constant relationship.

The slope is positive for the graph between speed and driver’s reaction distance as they are linearly related.As speed increases the reaction distance increases.

Conclusion:

The slope is positive for the graph between speed and driver reaction.

(b)

To determine

Whether the slope of a distracted driver would be larger or smaller.

Answer to Problem 54A

Larger

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Slope measures the relation between two variables. Slope is calculated by the ratio of the vertical change versus the horizontal change in the values of the variables when plotted on a graph. It can be positive, negative or zero.

A positive slope represents a direct relation which means that when one variable increases, the other variable also increases. Negative slope represents an inverse relation which means that one variable increases, the other variable decreases. A slope of zero means that there is a constant relationship.

For a distracted driver, the slope is larger. The distracted driver will have a larger reaction time and hence a larger reaction distance.

Conclusion:

For a distracted driver the slope is larger.