Snow fell and then stopped for a time. When the snow began to fall again, it fell at a faster rate than it had initially. Assuming that none of the snow melted during the time indicated, which of the following graphs could model the total accumulation of snow versus time?
The leftmost segment in choice A, which represents the first time period,shows that the snow accumulated at a certain rate; the middle segment, which represents the second time period, is horizontal, showing that the snow stopped accumulating; and the rightmost segment, which represents the third time period, is steeper than the first segment,indicating that the snow accumulated at a faster rate than it did during the first time period. Choice B is incorrect. This graph shows snow accumulating faster during the first time period than during the third time period; however, the question says that the rate of snow accumulation in the third time period is higher than in the first time period. Choice C is incorrect. This graph shows snow accumulation increasing during the first time period, not accumulating during the second time period, and then decreasing during the third time period; however, the question says that no snow melted (accumulation did not decrease) during thistime. Choice D is incorrect. This graph shows snow accumulating at a constant rate, not stopping for a period of time or accumulating at a faster rate during a third time period.