Polynomial Function

Question

The number of U.S. travelers to other countries during the period from 1990 through 2009 can be modeled by the polynomial function

P(x)=−0.00640x3+0.1295x2+1.193x+46.11

where x=0 represents​ 1990, x=1 represents​ 1991, and so on and​ P(x) is in millions. Use this function to approximate the number of U.S. travelers to other countries in each given year.

​(a) 1990 ​(b) 2000 ​(c) 2009

Answer 1

P(0) = 46.11 = 46,110,000 US travelers in 1990

P(10) = -.006(10^3) + .129(10^2) +1.193(10) + 46.11 = -6+12.95 +11.93 +46.11 = 64,990,000 in 2000

P(19) = -.006(19^3) + .129(19)^2 + 1.193(19) + 46.11 = -41.154 + 46.569+ 22.667 + 46.11 = 73.192,000 in 2009