Bicyclists in a 10-mile race were surveyed about their finishing times in minutes (f) and the number of previous races they had competed in (n). there was a negative linear relationship between f and n that is best modeled by the equation f=−0.45n+43.6 .

which statement is true?

a. the model predicts that for each additional race a bicyclist has competed in, the finishing time decreases by about 0.45 minutes.

b. the model predicts that the average finishing time for a race is 43.6 minutes

c. the model predicts that the finishing time for a bicyclist who has competed in 43.6 previous races is about 0.45 minutes less than his finishing time in his first race.

d. the model predicts that for each additional race a bicyclist has competed in, the finishing time decreases by about 43.6 minutes.