Final answer:
The function f(x) represents the vertical distance off the ground of the arch of the walking bridge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The function f(x) represents the vertical distance off the ground of the arch of the walking bridge. The equation for the function is f(x) = -0.1x2 + x + 3. The x-values represent the horizontal distance across the bridge, and the corresponding f(x) values represent the height of the arch at each point. By plugging in different values for x, you can find the corresponding heights of the arch.