Question

The scatterplot shows data for the area of Pacific sea ice between $2000$ and $2012$. The best fit line is shown in the graph and the equation of the line is $A\left(t\right)=-0.187t+380.5,$ where $A\left(t\right)$ represents the area of measurable sea ice in the Pacific Ocean in the year t. which of the following statements accurately describes the change in the amount of measurable Pacific sea ice during the given time period?

• A. The amount of sea ice increased approximately $187,000$ square kilometers per year
• B. The amount of sea ice increased approximately $187$ million square kilometers per year
• C. The amount of sea ice decreased approximately $187,000$ square kilometers per year
• D. The amount of sea ice decreased approximately $187$ million square kilometers per year

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The amount of sea ice decreased approximately $187,000$ square kilometers per year

Since $A\left(t\right)=-0.187t+380.5$, where $A$ is in million sq. km and $t$ is time in years

Thus change in amount of measurable Pacific sea ice during the given time period will be $\frac{dA}{dt}$.

Therefore, $\frac{dA}{dt}=-0.187$ million sq. km per year

$\Rightarrow -187,000$ sq. km per year

So, Option (C)