Question

The population of Minnesota in thousands, t years since 2000 can be represented by P=37t+4934.

A) Determine the P-intercept and explain its meaning in terms of the problem.
B) Determine the t-intercept and explain its meaning in terms of the problem.

Answer 1

Answer(A):

Given that the population of Minnesota in thousands, t years since 2000 can be represented by equation:

P=37t+4934

P-intercept means value of P when t=0

P=37*0+4934

P=0+4934

P=4934

Hence P-intercept is 4934. Which means that population of Minnesota in year 2000 was 4934.

Answer(B):

t-intercept means value of t when P=0

0=37t+4934

-4934=37t

divide by 37

-4934/37=t

-133.351351351 = t

Hence t-intercept is -4934/37 which is approx -133. Which means that population of Minnesota in year (2000-133) that is in year 1867 was 0.