Final answer:
The statement 'f(5) is approximately equal to 243' means that the value of the bank account is estimated to be about 243 dollars in 1962.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct interpretation of "f(5) is approximately equal to 243" in this context is that the value of the bank account is estimated to be approximately 243 dollars in the year 1962. Since x represents the number of years after 1957, f(5) would represent the bank account value by the end of 5 years after 1957, which is 1962. Option B is the best interpretation among the given choices.