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When a patient is given a vitamin B-12 treatment to promote red blood cell formation, the dose D, in

micrograms, is a function of the patient's weight, in pounds. Let D = f(w) define the dosage. Interpret
the meaning of each statement.
A. f(155) = 425
B. f'(155) = 20
C. Estimate the dosage for a person weighing 175 pounds.

User Karan Shah
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1 Answer

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A. f(155) = 425 means that if a patient weighs 155 pounds, the recommended dosage of vitamin B-12 is 425 micrograms.

B. f'(155) = 20 means that the rate of change of the dosage with respect to weight at a weight of 155 pounds is 20 micrograms per pound. In other words, for every one-pound increase in weight at 155 pounds, the dosage is expected to increase by 20 micrograms.

C. To estimate the dosage for a person weighing 175 pounds, we need to know the specific function or equation that defines the relationship between dosage and weight. Without this information, we cannot estimate the dosage accurately.
User Dmitry Zagorulkin
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