The depth of snow after [tex]\( n \)[/tex] hours of a snowstorm is represented by the function [tex]\( f(n+1) = f(n) + 0.8 \)[/tex] where [tex]\( f(0) = 2.5 \)[/tex].

Which statement describes the sequence of numbers generated by the function?

A. The depth of snow was 0.8 inches when the storm began, and 2.5 inches after the first hour of the storm.
B. The depth of snow was 1.7 inches when the storm began, and 0.8 inches of snow fell each hour.
C. The depth of snow was 2.5 inches when the storm began, and increased by 0.8 inches each hour.
D. The depth of snow was 3.3 inches when the storm began, and 2.5 inches of snow fell in 1 hour.



Answer :

To solve this question, we need to analyze the given function related to the depth of snow over time and identify the correct descriptive statement.

### Given Information:
- The function is [tex]\( f(n+1) = f(n) + 0.8 \)[/tex].
- The initial depth of snow is [tex]\( f(0) = 2.5 \)[/tex] inches.

### Analyzing the Function:
1. Initial Depth:
- The initial depth of the snow when the storm began is given by [tex]\( f(0) = 2.5 \)[/tex] inches. This is the starting value of the sequence.

2. Rate of Increase:
- According to the function [tex]\( f(n+1) = f(n) + 0.8 \)[/tex], the snow increases by 0.8 inches every hour.

### Choosing the Correct Statement:
- Let's evaluate the provided options one by one based on the initial depth and the rate of increase.

1. Option 1:
- "The depth of snow was 0.8 inches when the storm began, and 2.5 inches after the first hour of the storm."
- Incorrect: The initial depth is actually 2.5 inches, not 0.8 inches.

2. Option 2:
- "The depth of snow was 1.7 inches when the storm began, and 0.8 inches of snow fell each hour."
- Incorrect: The initial depth is actually 2.5 inches, not 1.7 inches.

3. Option 3:
- "The depth of snow was 2.5 inches when the storm began, and increased by 0.8 inches each hour."
- Correct: This matches exactly with our calculation where the initial depth is 2.5 inches and the snow increases by 0.8 inches each hour.

4. Option 4:
- "The depth of snow was 3.3 inches when the storm began, and 2.5 inches of snow fell in 1 hour."
- Incorrect: The initial depth is 2.5 inches, and the rate of increase is 0.8 inches every hour, not 2.5 inches.

### Conclusion:
The correct statement that describes the sequence of numbers generated by the function is:

"The depth of snow was 2.5 inches when the storm began, and increased by 0.8 inches each hour."

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