Final answer:
The correct equation using function notation to show the population of bacteria on a classroom desk at 7:56am as 486 is p (56) = 486.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question involves writing an equation using function notation to represent the population of bacteria on a classroom desk at a specific time. Given that p(t) represents the population of bacteria at t minutes after 7am, we need to express the population at 7:56am. Since 7:56am is 56 minutes after 7am, we use the function notation p (56). The correct equation that shows that the population of bacteria on a classroom desk at 7:56am is 486 is Option A: p (56) = 486.