The correct statement about the equation \( m(p) = 20(2^p) \) is:
As \( p \) increases, \( m \) increases quickly at first and then slowly.
Here's the reasoning:
-
Understanding the function: The equation represents an exponential function where \( m \) (the money) increases as \( p \) (the number of people passing the money) increases. Specifically, the function doubles for each additional person who passes it, starting from $20.
-
Behavior of exponential growth: In exponential functions, the growth starts gradually but accelerates as \( p \) increases. So, as more people opt to pass the money, \( m \) increases very rapidly.
-
Range: The range of the function \( m(p) \) includes values greater than or equal to $20 since the minimum amount \( m \) could be (when \( p = 0 \)) is $20, and it only gets larger as \( p \) increases.
-
Domain: The domain of \( p \) includes non-negative integers ( \( p \geq 0 \) ). The initial statement regarding \( p \) being greater than or equal to 20 is incorrect.
Thus, the only statement that is true is the one about \( m \) increasing quickly at first and then slowing down relative to \( p \).