The function C (n) = 12n + 5 gives the cost to order a necklace n, including a flat rate shipping charge. What does C (3) represent in the context of this scenario? Which of the following inputs does not make sense in the context of this scenario?

Answer 1

In the context of the function \( C(n) = 12n + 5 \), where \( C(n) \) represents the total cost of ordering \( n \) necklaces, the expression \( C(3) \) represents the total cost of ordering 3 necklaces. Specifically, it would calculate the total cost as follows:

\[ C(3) = 12(3) + 5 = 36 + 5 = 41 \]

Therefore, \( C(3) = 41 \) represents the total cost of ordering 3 necklaces, which includes the cost of the necklaces and a flat shipping charge.

Now, regarding the inputs that do not make sense in this context, we can consider the values of \( n \) (the number of necklaces ordered). Typically, \( n \) should be a non-negative integer (0, 1, 2, 3, ...), since you cannot order a negative number of necklaces or a fraction (like 2.5 necklaces).

Therefore, any negative number (e.g., \( n = -1 \)), or non-integer value (e.g., \( n = 2.5 \)), would not make sense in this scenario.