College

The function [tex]f(t)=349.2(0.98)^t[/tex] models the relationship between [tex]t[/tex], the time an oven spends cooling, and the temperature of the oven.

**Oven Cooling Time Table:**

\[
\begin{array}{|c|c|}
\hline
\text{Time (minutes)} & \text{Oven temperature (degrees Fahrenheit)} \\
\hline
5 & f(t) \\
\hline
10 & 315 \\
\hline
15 & 285 \\
\hline
20 & 260 \\
\hline
25 & 235 \\
\hline
\end{array}
\]

For which temperature will the model most accurately predict the time spent cooling?

A. 0

B. 100

C. 300

D. 400

Answer :

The model
$$
f(t)=349.2(0.98)^t
$$
relates the time an oven has been cooling (in minutes) to its temperature (in °F).

Step 1. Look at the observed temperatures. The table shows observed temperatures at cooling times of 10, 15, 20, and 25 minutes. These observed values range from 315°F (at 10 minutes) down to 235°F (at 25 minutes).

Step 2. Since the model is based on these collected observations, its predictions are expected to be most accurate for temperatures within the range of the data. That is, the model will be most reliable for temperatures between 235°F and 315°F.

Step 3. Out of the given choices: 0°F, 100°F, 300°F, and 400°F, only 300°F falls within this observed range.

Thus, the model will most accurately predict the time spent cooling when the temperature is $\boxed{300}$°F.