a biologist studied the populations of common guppies and endler's guppies over a 6-year period. the biologist modeled the populations, in tens of thousands, with the following polynomials where x is time, in years
common guppies; 3.1x^2+6x+0.3
endler's guppies: 4.2x2-5.2x+1
what polynomial models the total number of common and endler's guppies?
a ) 7.3x^2+0.8x+0.7
b ) 7.3x^2-0.8x+1.3
c ) 7.3x^2+0.8x+1.3
d ) 7.3x^2+0.8x-1.3
To find the polynomial that models the total number of common and endler's guppies, we need to add the two given polynomials together.
3.1x^2 + 6x + 0.3 + 4.2x^2 - 5.2x + 1
Combine like terms:
(3.1x^2 + 4.2x^2) + (6x - 5.2x) + (0.3 + 1)
7.3x^2 + 0.8x + 1.3
Therefore, the polynomial that models the total number of common and endler's guppies is 7.3x^2 + 0.8x + 1.3.
The correct answer is option c) 7.3x^2 + 0.8x + 1.3.