Greenwood press

LINEAR FUNCTIONS
53
Number of manatees killed in
Florida related to the number
of powerboat registrations for
the years 1977 to 1990.

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thousands of powerboats registered in Florida. The slope indicates that for every
thousand more powerboats registered, 0.125 more manatees are killed. In other
words, for every 10,000 more powerboats, the slope predicts 1.25 more manatees
are killed.
The data and linear function created a compelling argument that the mana-
tees were at risk of being endangered in a short period of time, unless action was
taken to reduce the number of powerboats and to slow down their speed in shal-
low waters. As a result, the Florida legislature has made it more difficult and ex-
pensive to acquire a powerboat license. It increased the number of game and fish
officers in manatee areas so that “no wake” rules would be strictly enforced. 
online sources for further exploration
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Your weight on other worlds

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