Math Problem Statement

The function D(t) defines a traveler’s distance from home, in miles, as a function of time, in hours.

Which times and distances are represented by the function? Select three options.

The starting distance, at 0 hours, is 300 miles. At 2 hours, the traveler is 725 miles from home. At 2.5 hours, the traveler is still moving farther from home. At 3 hours, the distance is constant, at 875 miles. The total distance from home after 6 hours is 1,062.5 miles.

Solution

Let's analyze the given statements to see which ones can be supported by the function D(t)D(t), representing the traveler's distance from home at time tt:

  1. "The starting distance, at 0 hours, is 300 miles."

    • This means that D(0)=300D(0) = 300. This can represent an initial condition, so it's a plausible option.
  2. "At 2 hours, the traveler is 725 miles from home."

    • This statement gives D(2)=725D(2) = 725. This is another valid distance at a specific time, so it is a plausible option.
  3. "At 2.5 hours, the traveler is still moving farther from home."

    • This statement suggests that D(t)D(t) is increasing at t=2.5t = 2.5, meaning the traveler is still moving away. This describes a potential trend in the function, and could be plausible if the function is increasing at that point.
  4. "At 3 hours, the distance is constant, at 875 miles."

    • A constant distance means the traveler has stopped moving at this point, i.e., D(t)=875D(t) = 875 for t3t \geq 3. If this holds for the function, it could be a possible option.
  5. "The total distance from home after 6 hours is 1,062.5 miles."

    • This gives D(6)=1,062.5D(6) = 1,062.5, a specific value for the distance after 6 hours, which seems reasonable.

Conclusion:

Based on this, the three most plausible options are:

  • The starting distance, at 0 hours, is 300 miles.
  • At 2 hours, the traveler is 725 miles from home.
  • The total distance from home after 6 hours is 1,062.5 miles.

Do you want details on how to derive the function? Let me know if you have any questions.

Related questions:

  1. What type of function could describe this traveler's movement?
  2. How would you calculate the rate of travel between 2 and 3 hours?
  3. Could the traveler ever return home based on this distance function?
  4. If the traveler maintains a constant speed, how could we estimate it from this data?
  5. Can the traveler stop moving while still increasing the distance function?

Tip: When analyzing functions, always look for key points like starting values, behavior trends, and maximum/minimum values to better understand the movement or change over time.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Functions
Distance and Time Relationships
Graph Interpretation

Formulas

Distance function D(t) representing distance as a function of time
D(t) = f(t) where f is the function defining distance

Theorems

Rate of change in functions
Constant values in functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10