Tommy has been running the 1-mile race for his track team for the past 5 years. His best times in each of the past 5 years, respectively, have been 5:30, 5:02, 4:40, 4:30, and 4:25. Assuming his training proceeds according to plan, which of the following times should he be capable of running this year, according to the power law?
A) 3:59
B) 4:02
C) 4:23
D) 4:10

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The power law states that time decreases exponentially as fitness (training) increases. Tommy's past times demonstrate a clear improvement in fitness and therefore a decrease in time. However, the decrease in time is not linear, but rather exponential. Therefore, we can predict that his time this year will continue to decrease but at a decreasing rate. Based on his past times, it's reasonable to assume that he will not suddenly drop to a time of 3:59. Option C, 4:23, is a reasonable prediction as it fits within the pattern of decreasing times at a decreasing rate.

Tommy Has Been Running the 1-Mile Race for His Track