College Algebra

Question

Sales of SUVs (sport utility vehicles) in the United States (in millions) for the years 1990-1999 can be modeled by the quadratic function shown below.

 

f(x) = 0.016x^2 +0.124x +0.787

 

Here x=0 represents 1990, x=1 represents 1991, and so on. Use the model to approximate sales in 1994.

Answer 1

f(4) = 0.1539

This is in millions, so 1,000,000 × 0.1539 = 153,900

So, in 1994, the estimate of SUVs sold was 153,900.

Answer 2

x = 4; f(4) = 0.016·16 + 0.124·4 + 0.787 = 1.539 millions

Answer 3

f(4) = 0.016(4)² +0.124(4) +0.787