Final answer:
The zero of the function d = 135 - 15t is the time when the bicyclist reaches the campsite. By setting the function equal to zero and solving for t, we find that the bicyclist will arrive at the campsite after 9 hours of riding.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking for the zero of the function d = 135 - 15t, which represents the distance (d) a bicyclist is from a campsite as a function of time (t) given that the bicyclist is 135 miles away and traveling at a steady speed of 15 miles per hour. To find the zero of the function, we need to determine when the bicyclist's distance from the campsite will be 0, which is the point in time where the bicyclist arrives at the campsite.
To find this, we set the function equal to 0 and solve for t:
- 0 = 135 - 15t
- 15t = 135
- t = 135 / 15
- t = 9
The zero of the function is at t = 9 hours, which means the bicyclist will reach the campsite after 9 hours of riding.