Final answer:
To estimate the days the Air Quality Index exceeded 100 in 2002, we substitute t=12 into the quadratic equation, resulting in approximately 135 days, which corresponds to option (c).
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has provided the quadratic regression equation n = 1.76t^2 - 13.32t + 41.00, where n represents the days the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded 100 and t represents the years since 1990. To estimate the number of days AQI exceeded 100 in 2002, we need to calculate the value of n for t = 12 (since 2002 is 12 years after 1990).
Replacing t with 12 in the equation, we get:
n = 1.76(12)^2 - 13.32(12) + 41.00
n = 1.76(144) - 159.84 + 41.00
n = 253.44 - 159.84 + 41.00
n = 134.60
Therefore, the estimated number of days AQI exceeded 100 in 2002 is approximately 135 days, which closely matches option (c).