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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.