Answer:
Therefore, the polynomial that models the total number of white-sided and black-tailed jackrabbits over the 5-year period is:
13t^2 + 0.5t + 7.1
where t is time, in years.
Explanation:
To model the total number of white-sided and black-tailed jackrabbits, we need to add the two polynomials together. This gives us:
(6.5t^2 - 8.7t + 5.9) + (6.5t^2 + 9.2t + 1.2)
Simplifying this expression by combining like terms, we get:
13t^2 + 0.5t + 7.1
Therefore, the polynomial that models the total number of white-sided and black-tailed jackrabbits over the 5-year period is:
13t^2 + 0.5t + 7.1
where t is time, in years.