What is an example of a real life situation that could be modeled by a function.
One real-life situation that can be modeled by a function is the distance traveled by a car over time. Let me explain how we can model this situation using a function:
1. Identify the variables: In this case, the variables are the distance traveled (d) and the time elapsed (t).
2. Determine the relationship: The distance traveled by a car depends on the time it has been traveling. We can assume that the car is traveling at a constant speed.
3. Write the function: We can write a linear function to represent this situation. Let's say the car travels at a speed of 60 miles per hour. The function would be:
d(t) = 60t,
where d(t) represents the distance traveled (in miles) as a function of time (in hours).
4. Interpret the function: The function tells us that if the car has been traveling for t hours, then the distance it has traveled is given by 60t. For example, if the car has been traveling for 2 hours, the distance traveled would be 60 * 2 = 120 miles.
By using this function, we can model and predict the distance the car will travel at any given time.