Question

The number of mosquitoes Anchorage, Alaska (in millions of mosquitoes) as a function of rainfall (in centimeters) is by: f(x) -2x + 50, where x is the centimeters of rain. How many mosquitoes will be produced if there are 9 centimeters of rain?

Answer 1

Mathematical Models

A mathematical model is a representation of a system using mathematical concepts and language.

Here we have the relationship between the number of mosquitoes in Anchorage, Alaska (f(x)) and the rainfall in centimeters (x).

The model is expressed as follows:

f(x) = -2x + 50

It's required to calculate the number of mosquitoes produced when there are x=9 cm of rain.

Substituting x=9 into the function:

f(9) = -2(9) + 50

Calculating:

f(9) = -18 + 50 = 32

Answer: 32