Final answer:
To find the correct mathematical model for annual per capita spending on prescriptions, one must analyze the equation structures: linear (y = mx + b), quadratic (y = ax² + bx + c), or rational (y = k/x). The context of the problem will dictate which equation is appropriate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked about the annual per capita spending 's' in dollars for prescriptions which can be modeled by several equations. The options given include linear equations, a quadratic equation, and a rational equation. When approaching these types of problems, one should examine the structure of the equations to determine which is linear, quadratic, or rational.
Practice Test 4 Solutions suggest that equations of the form y = mx + b, where 'm' is the slope and 'b' is the y-intercept, are linear. A quadratic equation generally takes the form of y = ax² + bx + c. A rational equation involves a variable in the denominator, typically of the form y = k/x, where 'k' is some constant.
Choosing the correct equation depends on the context of the problem and the nature of the data that reflects the spending 's'.