Discuss WGU Applied Algebra (C957) Exam Topic 2 Question 8

The growth of an animal population is shown in the graph. The instantaneous rate of change at point is .

Which interpretation of the instantaneous rate of change is correct?

AIn 2012, the population was increasing by 3.74 animals per year.

BIn 2012, the population was increasing by 3,740 animals per year.

CIn 2007, the population was increasing by 3,740 animals per year.

DIn 2007, the population was increasing by 3.74 animals per year.

Suggested Answer: C

The graph shows population in thousands, and the horizontal axis represents:

Point is located at approximately:

Since represents years since 1995:

So point corresponds to the year:

The instantaneous rate of change at point is:

Because the vertical axis is measured in thousands, this means:

Convert thousands to actual animals:

So in 2007, the population was increasing by approximately:

Get Premium Applied Algebra (C957) Questions as Interactive Web-Based Practice Test or PDF Real Exam Format Detailed Explanations Instant Access Get Your Practice Test

21 comments · newest first

Elise 2 days ago

I feel like C is a good choice.

Cordelia 7 days ago

A seems too low for 2012.

Ronald 12 days ago

No way, it's B!

Juliann 17 days ago

I think it's A.

Alisha 23 days ago

B is unrealistic. 3,740 is too much.

Tawny 28 days ago

A is clear. It matches the graph.

Pilar 1 month ago

D seems off. The year is wrong.

Jordan 1 month ago

What about D? It mentions 2007.

Glenna 1 month ago

I agree with Alex. A is the best choice.

Whitley 2 months ago

A makes sense. 3.74 sounds right.

Weldon 2 months ago

I feel like B is too high.

Stephane 2 months ago

I think it's A. The graph shows 2012.

Annelle 2 months ago

D sounds right, but I lean towards A.

Phyliss 2 months ago

Wait, are we sure about the year? Feels like a trick question.

Daryl 2 months ago

C seems off too, wasn't it about 2012?

Vernice 3 months ago

Definitely not B, that's way too high!

Wilbert 3 months ago

I think it's A, 3.74 animals per year.

Sang 3 months ago

I think we discussed that the instantaneous rate of change gives us the population growth at a specific year, but I can't recall which option matches that correctly.

Afton 3 months ago

I feel like the rate of change should be in the same units as the population, so I’m leaning towards the smaller number, but I can't remember if it was 3.74 or 3,740.

Shizue 3 months ago

I’m not entirely sure if the year is 2012 or 2007 for the rate of change. I think we had a similar question in practice where the year was crucial.

Malinda 4 months ago

I remember we talked about how the instantaneous rate of change relates to the slope of the tangent line at a specific point on the graph.

WGU Applied Algebra (C957) Exam - Topic 2 Question 8 Discussion