Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics (5733)Algebra and FunctionsHard
A company's production cost C (in thousands of dollars) is related to the number of units u (in hundreds) produced by the polynomial function C(u) = 2u^3 - 5u^2 + 10u + 50. If the company produces 300 units, what is the production cost?
- A$115,000
- B$212,000
- C$167,000
- D$88,000
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. $167,000
The input 'u' represents units in hundreds. So, 300 units means u = 3. Substitute u = 3 into the polynomial function and evaluate the expression to find the cost.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Made an error in calculation, potentially using u=4.
- B. Made an error in calculation, potentially using u=5.
- D. Made an error in calculation, potentially using u=2.
Evaluating Polynomials
Substituting a specific numerical value for the variable(s) in a polynomial expression and calculating the resulting value.
- Follow the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS).
- Pay close attention to signs and exponents.
- Ensure correct interpretation of the variable's meaning in word problems.
Memory trick: Plug in, power up, multiply, add.