Final answer:
a. T = 2300 + 250q. The correct equation that gives the furnace temperature T after q quarter hours is T = 2300 + 250q.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the equation that gives the furnace temperature T after q quarter hours, we can use the given information. The furnace operates at 2,300 °F and the temperature must be raised to 3,600 °F. This temperature increase takes place at a rate of 250 °F per quarter hour. Since the temperature is increasing by 250 °F for every quarter hour, we can express it as T = 2300 + 250q. Therefore, the correct equation is option a. T = 2300 + 250q.