The ratio of working-age population to the elderly in the United States (including projections after 2000) is given by with t = 0 corresponding to the beginning of 1995. What will be the ratio at the beginning of 2005?
A) f(1995) = -75.5
B) f(1995) = 75.5
C) f(10) = -3.9
D) f(10) = 4.7
E) f(10) = 3.9

Question

The ratio of working-age population to the elderly in the United States (including projections after 2000) is given by  with t = 0 corresponding to the beginning of 1995. What will be the ratio at the beginning of 2005?
A) f(1995) = -75.5 
B) f(1995) = 75.5 
C) f(10) = -3.9 
D) f(10) = 4.7 
E) f(10) = 3.9

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

We need to evaluate the function for t=10, which corresponds to the beginning of 2005:

f(10) = 11e^(0.035x10) = 11e^0.35

Using a calculator, we find that:

f(10) ≈ 3.9

Therefore, the ratio of working-age population to the elderly at the beginning of 2005 was approximately 3.9. The correct answer is (E).

The Ratio of Working-Age Population to the Elderly in the United