Question

this graph shows the number of nurses in the united states during the 20th century. nurses in the united states. nurses (millions) graph with x - axis 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4 and y - axis years since 1900 (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100). which is the best estimate for the average rate of change in the number of nurses between 1950 and 2000?

Explanation:

Step1: Identify data points

In 1950, years since 1900 is 50. From the graph, nurses (millions) at year 50: let's assume it's 1 million (estimating from the graph). In 2000, years since 1900 is 100. Nurses at year 100: 3 million (estimating from the graph).

Step2: Calculate rate of change

The formula for average rate of change is $\frac{\text{Change in quantity}}{\text{Change in time}}$. Change in nurses: $3 - 1 = 2$ million. Change in time: $100 - 50 = 50$ years. So rate is $\frac{2}{50} = 0.04$ million per year, or 40,000 per year. (Note: Estimates from graph may vary, but the process is using slope formula.)

Answer:

The average rate of change is approximately 0.04 million nurses per year (or 40,000 nurses per year, depending on graph estimates).