PSAT Math Multiple-Choice Question 568: Answer and Explanation

Question: 568

From 1940 until 1970, the best-fit equation for the values of the blue whale population has which general characteristic?

• A. Linear decay
• B. Linear growth
• C. Exponential decay
• D. Exponential growth

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

(C) Between 1940 and 1970, the blue whale population is decreasing and the function has a substantial curve. So the graph shows exponential decay. Note that if the decay were linear, the graph would have gone down in a straight line.