1. **State the problem:** We have the linear function $$y = 15x + 40$$ modeling the total cooking time $$y$$ in minutes as a function of the turkey's weight $$x$$ in pounds. 2. **Identify variables:** - $$x$$ is the weight of the turkey in pounds. - $$y$$ is the total cooking time in minutes. We say: "The total cooking time $$y$$ is a function of the turkey's weight $$x$$." 3. **Interpret the constant term:** The value 40 represents the fixed cooking time in minutes for the macaroni and cheese, which does not depend on the turkey's weight. 4. **Interpret the rate of change:** The rate of change 15 means that for each additional pound of turkey, the cooking time increases by 15 minutes. 5. **Calculate total cooking time for 12 pounds:** Substitute $$x=12$$ into the equation: $$y = 15(12) + 40$$ $$y = 180 + 40$$ $$y = 220$$ 6. **Find cooking time for just the turkey:** Since 40 minutes is for macaroni and cheese, turkey cooking time is: $$220 - 40 = 180$$ minutes. **Final answers:** - $$x$$ is turkey weight in pounds. - $$y$$ is total cooking time in minutes. - 40 is macaroni and cheese cooking time. - 15 is minutes per pound for turkey. - Total cooking time for 12-pound turkey and macaroni and cheese is 220 minutes. - Turkey alone cooks for 180 minutes.