The increase in pressure (P) is a linear function of the depth (d) to which a scuba diver descends. This is the function: P(d)=0.445d + 14.7. 1.) What does the initial value represent?
2.) What does the rate of change represent?

Initial value = 14.7

Rate of change = 0.445

Step-by-step explanation:

Given the linear function :

P(d) = 0.445d + 14.7

The linear equation above takes the general. Form of a slope - intercept equation :

y = mx + c

Where ; m = slope or gradient = rate of change in y per unit change in x

c = intercept , which is the intial value of y when x = 0

Thus using the above information ;

Initial value = intercept value = 14.7

The rate of change is the slope value = 0.445