Essay
Note: Your teacher will grade your response to ensure you receive proper credit for your answer.
Suppose the polynomial function below represents the power generated by a wind turbine, where x represents the wind speed in meters per second and y represents the kilowatts generated. Interpret ƒ(10).
ƒ(x) = 0.08x3 + x2 + x + 0.26
The polynomial function ƒ(x) = 0.08x3 + x2 + x + 0.26 represents the power generated by a wind turbine. In this function, x represents the wind speed in meters per second and y represents the kilowatts generated.
To interpret ƒ(10), we substitute x = 10 into the function:
ƒ(10) = 0.08(10)3 + (10)2 + 10 + 0.26
ƒ(10) = 0.08(1000) + 100 + 10 + 0.26
ƒ(10) = 80 + 100 + 10 + 0.26
ƒ(10) = 190.26
Therefore, ƒ(10) = 190.26 means that when the wind speed is 10 meters per second, the wind turbine generates 190.26 kilowatts of power.