The distance you travel while hiking is a function of how fast you hike and how long you hike at this rate. You usually maintain a speed of three miles per hour while hiking. Write an equation that represents this function, letting t represent the independent variable, let h represent the function, and h(t) the dependent variable. Evaluate h(7) and write a sentence describing its meaning. Write the result as an ordered pair.
Answer
A
If I hike for 2 hours 15 minutes, I expect to travel 7 miles. (7, 2.33)
B
If I hike for 2 hours 15 minutes, I expect to travel 7 miles. (2.33, 7)
C
If I hike for 7 hours, I expect to travel 21 miles. (21, 7)
D
If I hike for 7 hours, I expect to travel 21 miles. (7, 21)
Explanation
Distance equals speed multiplied by time, so the function is h(t) = 3t, where t is the number of hours and h(t) is the distance in miles. Evaluating at 7 gives h(7) = 3 × 7 = 21, so after hiking for 7 hours you travel 21 miles. The ordered pair is (7, 21), which is choice d.
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