SOLUTION: Hello, this problem has me completely puzzled and I don't know where to begin, can you help me please. The problem states: Computer sales in the United States have increased sinc

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Hello, this problem has me completely puzzled and I don't know where to begin, can you help me please. The problem states: Computer sales in the United States have increased sinc      Log On


   

Question 133561: Hello, this problem has me completely puzzled and I don't know where to begin, can you help me please.
The problem states: Computer sales in the United States have increased since 1992. The function can be used to approximate the number of computer sales during the years 1990-2000 where x is the number of years after 1990 and f(x) is the computer sales (in millions). Use the function to predict the number of computers sold in 2001. Round the answer to the nearest tenth of a million.
The Options for answers given are as follows:
12.1 million
18.6 million
16.7 million
20.596 million
Thanks in advance for your much needed help. Sharon
Answer by vleith(2983) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Given the model of f%28x%29=0.0059x%5E2+%2B0.65x%2B4.3 where x is the number of years since 1990.
Predict the sales in the years 2001.
1) Determine how many years 2001 is "after 1990" --> +2001+-+1990+ = 11.
So, x in the year 2001 will be 11
2) Plug in x from step 1 into the given function
+f%28x%29=0.0059x%5E2+%2B0.65x%2B4.3
+f%28x%29+=+0.0059%2A%2811%29%5E2+%2B+0.65%2A%2811%29+%2B+4.3
+f%28x%29+=+0.714+%2B+7.15+%2B+4.3+
+f%28x%29+=+12.164+
rounded is nearest tenth million is 12.2