Math Problem Statement

As you drive from Los Angeles, California, back to Gilbert, Arizona, your distance from home d(t) in miles is a function of the number of hours t you have been driving. This function is d(t) = 400 - 66t. Show all work.

Solution

The image contains a set of questions regarding a function that models the distance d(t)d(t) in miles based on the number of hours tt spent driving from Los Angeles, California, to Gilbert, Arizona. The function provided is:

d(t)=40066td(t) = 400 - 66t

Let's break down and address the questions:

a. Evaluate d(2.3)d(2.3) and explain its meaning in the problem context.

To evaluate d(2.3)d(2.3), substitute t=2.3t = 2.3 into the function:

d(2.3)=40066(2.3)d(2.3) = 400 - 66(2.3) d(2.3)=400151.8d(2.3) = 400 - 151.8 d(2.3)=248.2d(2.3) = 248.2

Meaning: After 2.3 hours of driving, the distance remaining to reach Gilbert, Arizona, is 248.2 miles.


b. Solve d(t)=100d(t) = 100 and explain its meaning in the problem context.

Set d(t)=100d(t) = 100 and solve for tt:

40066t=100400 - 66t = 100 66t=40010066t = 400 - 100 66t=30066t = 300 t=300664.545t = \frac{300}{66} \approx 4.545

Meaning: It takes approximately 4.55 hours of driving to reduce the remaining distance to 100 miles from Gilbert, Arizona.


c. Determine the vertical intercept(s) of the function and explain the meaning in the problem context.

The vertical intercept occurs when t=0t = 0:

d(0)=40066(0)=400d(0) = 400 - 66(0) = 400

Meaning: When t=0t = 0, the initial distance from Gilbert, Arizona, is 400 miles. This is the starting point of the trip.


d. Determine the horizontal intercept(s) of the function and explain the meaning in the problem context.

The horizontal intercept occurs when d(t)=0d(t) = 0. Set the equation to 0 and solve for tt:

40066t=0400 - 66t = 0 66t=40066t = 400 t=400666.06t = \frac{400}{66} \approx 6.06

Meaning: It takes approximately 6.06 hours to complete the journey, at which point the distance to Gilbert, Arizona, will be 0 miles.


Would you like more details or have any questions about the solutions? Here are some follow-up questions to expand on this topic:

  1. How would you interpret the rate of change in the function d(t)=40066td(t) = 400 - 66t?
  2. What would happen to the function if the speed of the car were to change? How would that reflect in the equation?
  3. Could you use this function to determine the average speed of the vehicle? How?
  4. How does the concept of intercepts help in understanding the journey's progress?
  5. What other factors (e.g., traffic, stops) could affect the real-world accuracy of this model?

Tip: Always check the units when solving word problems to ensure consistency, especially when interpreting rates and distances.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Functions
Algebra

Formulas

d(t) = 400 - 66t

Theorems

Slope-Intercept Form

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11