Final answer:
The function f(t) = 4t - 12 relationally ties time and distance, with distance increasing by 4 miles per hour. The interpretation of f(5) = 300 is incorrect; the correctly calculated value is f(5) = 8. The function mean, in this context, would require additional information to be applicable.
Step-by-step explanation:
The function f(t) = 4t - 12, where t represents time in hours and f(t) represents distance in miles, expresses a linear relationship between time and distance traveled. To interpret the function, each additional hour of travel will increase the distance by 4 miles. However, the given statement "f(5) = 300" suggests that after 5 hours, 300 miles have been traveled, which does not align with the function provided, as substituting 5 into the function would yield f(5) = 4(5) - 12 = 20 - 12 = 8 miles, not 300 miles. This indicates either an error in the given function or in the stated interpretation.
The concept of a function mean describes the average output of the function over its domain, which doesn't directly apply to the given scenario unless additional context is provided for averaging distances over a period of time.
To calculate distance using such linear equations, you'd typically use the initial position, average velocity, and time elapsed, as indicated by the equation x = xo + vt.