Question

a survey approximates the number of americans that are age 65 and older and projects that by the year 2050, approximately 83.3 million americans will be at least 65. the bar graph shows the estimated number of americans with projected figures for the year 2020 and beyond. a graphing calculator screen displays an exponential function that models the u.s. population age 65 and over, y, in millions, x years after 1899. use this information to solve (a)-(d) below. click the icon to view the bar graph. a. explain why an exponential function was used to model the population data. a. an exponential function was used because the data in the bar graph is increasing more and more rapidly. b. an exponential function was used because population is always modeled using exponential functions. c. an exponential function was used because exponential functions are always more accurate than linear functions. d. an exponential function was used because there are too many data points to use a linear function.

Explanation:

Exponential functions are used when data shows a pattern of increasing at an increasing rate. In population - related data, if the growth is accelerating over time, an exponential model is appropriate. Here, the number of Americans age 65 and over is likely growing more rapidly as time progresses, which is a characteristic of exponential growth.

Answer:

A. An exponential function was used because the data in the bar graph is increasing more and more rapidly.