P (t) = 1,800 (1.02)t The function P gives the estimated number of marine mammals in a certain area, where t is the number of years since a study began. What is the best interpretation of P(0) = 1,800 in this context?

Correct answer: B. The estimated number of marine mammals in the area was 1,800 when the study began.

  • A. The estimated number of marine mammals in the area was 102 when the study began.
  • B. The estimated number of marine mammals in the area was 1,800 when the study began.
  • C. The estimated number of marine mammals in the area increased by 102 each year during the study.
  • D. The estimated number of marine mammals in the area increased by 1,800 each year during the study.

Explanation

Choice B is correct. The function P gives the estimated number of marine mammals in a certain area, where t is the number of years since a study began. Since the value of P(0) is the value of P (t) when t=0, it follows that P(0) = 1,800 means that the value of P (t ) is 1,800 when t=0. Since t is the number of years since the study began, it follows that t=0 is 0 years since the study began, or when the study began. Therefore, the best interpretation of P(0) = 1,800 in this context is the estimated number of marine mammals in the area was 1,800 when the study began.

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