To understand the meaning of the function \( P = 0.79x + 20.86 \), we need to clarify what \( x \) represents. Here, \( x \) is defined as the number of years after 1950.
We can analyze the options:
A. The value of \( P \) represents the number of women in the workforce in the year 1997.
- To find the value of \( x \) for 1997, we calculate \( x = 1997 - 1950 = 47 \).
- Plugging this into the function gives \( P = 0.79(47) + 20.86 = 37.03 \) million women. This option might not directly represent the specific number for that year unless we confirm the accuracy of the range.
B. The value of \( P \) represents the number of women who will join the workforce between the years 1900 and 1947.
- This is incorrect because the function is applicable only for years starting from 1950.
C. The value of \( P \) represents the number of women who will join the workforce between the years 1950 and 1997.
- This is also incorrect, as the function \( P \) gives the total number of women in the workforce, not just those joining.
D. The value of \( P \) represents the number of women in the workforce in the year 1947.
- This is incorrect because \( P \) is defined only for years starting from 1950 and does not apply to 1947.
Based on the analysis, none of the options perfectly match the meaning of \( P \) as defined by the function. However, if we look closely, option A comes most closely to reflecting a specific year (1997) even if it isn't stated directly.
Thus, A is the best choice.