Final answer:
For a driver on a highway with a mandatory speed range of 55-65 mph, option D (54 and 71 mph) correctly represents the possible speed values considering an equal penalty is applied for each mph outside of this range.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question requires us to determine the possible values for a driver's speed on a highway based on the given speed limits and the penalty for exceeding this limit. Given that drivers are required to maintain a speed of between 55 and 65 miles per hour (mph), a penalty is assessed for each mile per hour a driver's speed is outside this range. This means the acceptable range is from the minimum speed limit, 55 mph, up to the maximum speed limit, 65 mph, without incurring a penalty.
To solve this mathematical problem completely, we consider the question and the provided choices. Choice A (49 and 66 mph) suggests that the speed could be 1 mph over the limit but not 6 mph under it, which does not make sense given the equal penalty for speeding or not meeting the minimum speed.
Choice B (49 and 71 mph) indicates a tolerance of 6 mph under the limit and 6 mph over the limit, which is also inconsistent. Choice C (54 and 66 mph) only allows for 1 mph under the minimum, which is incorrect, as it should be equal on both sides. Finally, choice D (54 and 71 mph) indicates a driver could go 1 mph under the minimum speed or 6 mph over the maximum speed without additional penalty, which is reasonable.
Therefore, the correct option that represents possible values for a driver's speed, considering the same penalty applies for each mph over or under the speed range, is D. 54 and 71 mph.