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: 3.1x2 + 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
C. 7.3x^2 + 0.8x + 1.3
To find the total number of common and Endler's guppies, you simply add the two polynomial equations together. So, (3.1x^2 + 6x + 0.3) + (4.2x^2 - 5.2x + 1) = 7.3x^2 + 0.8x + 1.3