To understand what [tex]\( s(200) = 3 \)[/tex] means in the context of the problem, let's break down the notation and interpret it using the table provided.
The function [tex]\( s(x) \)[/tex] represents the number of stars awarded based on the number of points earned, [tex]\( x \)[/tex]. So, [tex]\( s(200) \)[/tex] denotes the number of stars awarded when 200 points are earned.
Looking at the table:
[tex]\[
\begin{array}{|c|c|}
\hline
\text{Points Earned} & \text{Stars Awarded} \\
\hline
50 & 1 \\
\hline
100 & 2 \\
\hline
200 & 3 \\
\hline
500 & 4 \\
\hline
1000 & 5 \\
\hline
5000 & 6 \\
\hline
9000 & 7 \\
\hline
\end{array}
\][/tex]
We see that when a player earns 200 points, they are awarded 3 stars.
Given the options:
A. There are 200 players who have been awarded 3 stars.
B. A player who earns 200 points is awarded 3 stars.
C. A player who earns 3 points is awarded 200 stars.
D. There are 3 players who have earned 200 points.
Option B correctly describes that a player who earns 200 points is awarded 3 stars.
Thus, [tex]\( s(200) = 3 \)[/tex] means:
B. A player who earns 200 points is awarded 3 stars.