Using data starting with 1950 and projected to​ 2050, the number of women​ (in millions) in the workforce is given by the function Upper P equals 0.79 x plus 20.86​, where x equals the number of years after 1950.

What is the meaning of this value of​ P?
A.
The value of P represents the number of women who will join the work force between the years 1900 and 1937.
B.
The value of P represents the number of women in the workforce in the year 1937.
C.
The value of P represents the number of women who will join the work force between the years 1950 and 1987.
D.
The value of P represents the number of women in the workforce in the year 1987.
Part 3

1 answer

To understand the meaning of the function \( P = 0.79x + 20.86 \), let's analyze the variables involved:

  • \( P \): This represents the number of women (in millions) in the workforce.
  • \( x \): This is the number of years after 1950.

Analyzing the Options

  1. Option A: The value of P represents the number of women who will join the workforce between the years 1900 and 1937.

    • Incorrect, as the function begins at 1950, not 1900 or 1937.
  2. Option B: The value of P represents the number of women in the workforce in the year 1937.

    • Incorrect, as the year 1937 is before the starting point of 1950.
  3. Option C: The value of P represents the number of women who will join the workforce between the years 1950 and 1987.

    • Partially relevant, but the function calculates the total number of women in the workforce at a specific year rather than just those joining in that timeframe.
  4. Option D: The value of P represents the number of women in the workforce in the year 1987.

    • Correct, since to find \( P \) for 1987, we would calculate \( x \) for that year: \[ x = 1987 - 1950 = 37 \] Plugging this value into the function: \[ P = 0.79(37) + 20.86 \approx 29.23 \] Thus, \( P \) gives the total number of women in the workforce in millions in the year 1987.

Conclusion

The correct answer is D. The value of P represents the number of women in the workforce in the year 1987.