The population of a city has varied considerably in recent years. The data in the table relates the population P to time t, in years. Use a quadratic function fitted to the data to predict the population in year 10. $$\begin{array} { c | c }
\text { Year, t } & \text { Population, P } \
\hline 0 & 59,000 \
\hline 1 & 48,000 \
\hline 2 & 43,500 \
\hline 3 & 49,000 \
\hline 4 & 41,500 \
\hline 5 & 39,000 \
\hline 6 & 42,500
\end{array}$$
A) 58,964
B) 119,000
C) 48,431
D) 81,020

Question

The population of a city has varied considerably in recent years. The data in the table relates the population P to time t, in years. Use a quadratic function fitted to the data to predict the population in year 10. $$\begin{array} { c | c } 
\text { Year, t } & \text { Population, P } \
\hline 0 & 59,000 \
\hline 1 & 48,000 \
\hline 2 & 43,500 \
\hline 3 & 49,000 \
\hline 4 & 41,500 \
\hline 5 & 39,000 \
\hline 6 & 42,500
\end{array}$$
A) 58,964
B) 119,000
C) 48,431
D) 81,020

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is A because the quadratic function fitted to the data is P = -2t^2 + 12t + 59, and P(10) = -2(10)^2 + 12(10) + 59 = 58,964.

The Population of a City Has Varied Considerably in Recent