Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics (5733)Algebra and FunctionsMedium

A landscaper is planning a circular garden. The cost C (in dollars) to plant the garden is a function of its radius r (in meters), given by C(r) = 5πr^2 + 10πr. What is the cost to plant a garden with a radius of 3 meters?

  1. A90π dollars
  2. B60π dollars
  3. C45π dollars
  4. D75π dollars
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. 75π dollars

To find the cost, substitute r = 3 into the function C(r) = 5πr^2 + 10πr. C(3) = 5π(3)^2 + 10π(3) = 5π(9) + 30π = 45π + 30π = 75π.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Incorrect. This would be if the radius was 4 for the second term, or another calculation error.
  • B. Incorrect. This might be a calculation error, e.g., 5π(3)^2 + 10π(2).
  • C. Incorrect. This would be 5πr^2 only, or an error in calculation.

Evaluating Functions

The process of substituting a given value for the independent variable into a function's expression to find the corresponding output value.

  • Replace every instance of the variable.
  • Follow order of operations (PEMDAS).
  • The output is the function's value at that input.

Memory trick: Input is like a key, it unlocks the function's output door.

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