If the formula R= -0.0371 + 50.1 can be used to predict the world record in the 400 meter dash t years after 1925, for what years will the world record be 48.1 secons or less?

There is no t in your formula. You copied it wrong.

When you have the right formula, set it equal to 48.1 and solve for t. Add that to 1925. Later years will have a lower record, supposedly.

Of course, world records do not change at such a smooth rate. It is an approximation.

To find the years when the world record in the 400-meter dash will be 48.1 seconds or less using the given formula (R = -0.0371t + 50.1), you need to solve for 't'.

The formula gives the predicted world record time (R) in seconds for any given year (t) after 1925.

Let's substitute R = 48.1 into the equation and solve for 't':

48.1 = -0.0371t + 50.1

First, let's isolate the term with 't' by subtracting 50.1 from both sides of the equation:

48.1 - 50.1 = -0.0371t

-2 = -0.0371t

Now, divide both sides of the equation by -0.0371 to solve for 't':

-2 / -0.0371 = t

t ≈ 54.1

So, the world record will be 48.1 seconds or less in approximately 54.1 years after 1925.

To find the corresponding year, add 54.1 to 1925:

1925 + 54.1 ≈ 1979.1

Therefore, the years when the world record will be 48.1 seconds or less are approximately between 1925 and 1979.