To solve this question, let's evaluate the traveler's distance from home using the given piecewise function [tex]\( D(t) \)[/tex] at specific time points.
1. The starting distance, at 0 hours:
For [tex]\( t = 0 \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
D(0) = 300 \cdot 0 + 125 = 125
\][/tex]
Therefore, the starting distance is 125 miles, not 300 miles. This means the statement "The starting distance, at 0 hours, is 300 miles" is false.
2. At 2 hours, the traveler is 725 miles from home:
For [tex]\( t = 2 \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
D(2) = 300 \cdot 2 + 125 = 600 + 125 = 725
\][/tex]
Therefore, the statement "At 2 hours, the traveler is 725 miles from home" is true.
3. At 2.5 hours, the traveler is still moving farther from home:
Just before [tex]\( t = 2.5 \)[/tex], we need to check if the function value is increasing:
- For [tex]\( t \)[/tex] values just less than 2.5, use [tex]\( D(t) = 300t + 125 \)[/tex].
As [tex]\( t \)[/tex] approaches 2.5 from the left:
[tex]\[
D(2.5 - \epsilon) = 300(2.5 - \epsilon) + 125
\][/tex]
where [tex]\( \epsilon \)[/tex] is a very small positive number.
Since [tex]\( D(t) \)[/tex] is continuous and increasing in the interval [tex]\([0, 2.5)\)[/tex], as [tex]\( t \)[/tex] approaches 2.5, [tex]\( D(t) \)[/tex] gets closer to 875.
Therefore, the statement "At 2.5 hours, the traveler is still moving farther from home" is true.
4. At 3 hours, the distance is constant, at 875 miles:
For [tex]\( t = 3 \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
D(3) = 875
\][/tex]
Therefore, the statement "At 3 hours, the distance is constant, at 875 miles" is true.
5. The total distance from home after 6 hours is 1,062.5 miles:
For [tex]\( t = 6 \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
D(6) = 75 \cdot 6 + 612.5 = 450 + 612.5 = 1062.5
\][/tex]
Therefore, the statement "The total distance from home after 6 hours is [tex]$1,062.5$[/tex] miles" is true.
Given these evaluations, the correct statements are:
1. At 2 hours, the traveler is 725 miles from home.
2. At 2.5 hours, the traveler is still moving farther from home.
3. At 3 hours, the distance is constant, at 875 miles.
4. The total distance from home after 6 hours is [tex]$1,062.5$[/tex] miles.
The three correct options from the list are:
- At 2 hours, the traveler is 725 miles from home.
- At 2.5 hours, the traveler is still moving farther from home.
- At 3 hours, the distance is constant, at 875 miles.
Another valid option is the total distance after 6 hours being 1,062.5 miles although the question asked for three options only.
