Valerie is losing weight faster at a rate of 2.5 pounds per week compared to Oscar's 2 pounds per week.
To determine who weighed more at the beginning of the show, we can substitute t = 0 into Valerie's weight loss function:
[tex]\[ W = 235 - 2.5 \times 0 = 235 \, \text{pounds} \][/tex]
Therefore, Valerie weighed 235 pounds at the beginning of the show.
Comparing Valerie's weight at t = 0 with Oscar's weight at week 0 (247 pounds), we see that Oscar weighed more at the beginning of the show.
To determine who is losing weight faster, we can compare their weight loss rates.
Valerie's weight loss function has a coefficient of -2.5, indicating she loses 2.5 pounds per week.
Oscar's weight loss over 6 weeks shows a decrease of 12 pounds (247 - 235), so his average weight loss rate over 6 weeks is [tex]\( \frac{12 \, \text{pounds}}{6 \, \text{weeks}} = 2 \, \text{pounds per week}\).[/tex]
Thus, Valerie is losing weight faster at a rate of 2.5 pounds per week compared to Oscar's 2 pounds per week.
The probable question may be:
2. Two contestants on Biggest Loser are Valerie and Oscar. Their weight loss progress is shown below.
Valerie's weight loss is shown by this function, where Wis her weight in pounds and tis the time in weeks.
W =235-2.5t
Oscar's weight loss is tracked in the table below.
Weeks 0 2 5 6
Weight 247 243 237 235
Who weighed more at the beginning of the show?
Who is losing weight faster?
