Explanation
Correct answer: C.
Choice C is correct. It's given that the geologist has already collected samples from the volcano. Let represent the number of additional samples the geologist needs to collect. After collecting additional samples, the geologist will have collected a total of samples. It's given that the geologist needs to collect at least samples. Therefore, . Subtracting from each side of this inequality yields the inequality . Thus, the geologist needs to collect a minimum of additional samples.
Desmos solution:
Note: x is the additional samples needed, and the regression fits x=4.
Enter in Desmos:
Reviewed and rewritten by CookSAT
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect. This is the number of samples the geologist has already collected, rather than the minimum number of additional samples the geologist needs to collect.
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect. If the geologist collects additional samples, the geologist will have collected a total of samples, which is less than samples.