Question

5 from unit 5, lesson 3
w gives the weight of a puppy, in pounds, as a function of its age, t, in months.
describe the meaning of each statement in function notation.
a. w(2)=5
b. w(6)>w(4)
c. w(12)=w(15)

Explanation:

Step1: Interpret function - input and output

The function $W(t)$ has $t$ (age in months) as input and weight in pounds as output. For $W(2)=5$, input $t = 2$ months and output is 5 pounds.

Step2: Compare function values

For $W(6)>W(4)$, when $t = 6$ months the weight is more than when $t = 4$ months.

Step3: Equate function values

For $W(12)=W(15)$, the weight at 12 months is the same as at 15 months.

Answer:

a. The weight of the puppy at 2 months of age is 5 pounds.
b. The weight of the puppy at 6 months of age is greater than the weight of the puppy at 4 months of age.
c. The weight of the puppy at 12 months of age is equal to the weight of the puppy at 15 months of age.