Graph depicting the linear deflation of an air mattress, showing the volume of air decreasing over time.

Let's analyze the graph to complete the statement.

Step 1: Understand the Graph

- The y-axis represents the amount of air in the mattress (in cubic inches).
- The x-axis represents time deflating (in minutes).
- The line starts at $ y = 18,000 $ when $ x = 0 $, and ends at $ y = 0 $ when $ x = 5 $.

This is a linear relationship, so we can use the slope-intercept form of a line:
$$
y = mx + b
$$
Where:
- $ y $ = air in the mattress (cubic inches)
- $ x $ = time (minutes)
- $ m $ = rate of change (slope)
- $ b $ = initial amount of air (when $ x = 0 $)

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Step 2: Find the Initial Amount of Air

At $ x = 0 $, $ y = 18,000 $.
So, the mattress starts with 18,000 cubic inches of air.

> ✔ First blank: 18,000

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Step 3: Find the Rate of Change (Slope)

We calculate the slope $ m $ using two points on the line:
- Point 1: $ (0, 18000) $
- Point 2: $ (5, 0) $

$$
m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} = \frac{0 - 18000}{5 - 0} = \frac{-18000}{5} = -3600
$$

The negative sign indicates that air is decreasing. So, the mattress loses 3,600 cubic inches per minute.

> ✔ Second blank: 3,600

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Final Answer:

The air mattress has 18,000 cubic inches of air when Carla starts deflating it. The mattress loses 3,600 cubic inches every minute as it is deflating. ✔