Question

The number of bacteria in a certain food is a function of the food’s temperature. The number is N1(T) at a temperature T degrees Celsius, described by the equation N1(T) = 15T2 + 60T + 300. Similarly, the number of bacteria in another food is given by the function, N2(T) = 20T2 – 5T + 150. Determine an equation that describes the number of bacteria in both the foods when they are mixed.

Answer 1

Given the functions:

`N_1(T)=15T^2+60T+300`
`N_2(T)=20T^2-5T+150`

You need to add them, in order to find the equation that describes the number of bacteria in both foods when they are mixed.

Therefore, you need to set up:

`N_1(T)+N_2(T)=(15T^2+60T+300)+(20T^2-5T+150)`

Adding the like terms, you get:

`N_1(T)+N_2(T)=35T^2+55T+450`

Hence, the answer is: Third option.