1. Word problem function help!

I'm sorry, I didn't even really know what to call this. This is the last question on my homework and I have been at it for about 35 mins. I have gotten nowhere on this one!

Q: Interpret the sentence as a statement about a function and its derivative. Indicate clearly what the function is, what the variable means, and appropriate units for each; then sketch a possible graph of the function.

The sentence is: Health care costs continue to rise but at a slower rate than 3 years ago.

I'm pretty sure that I could get all of the question once I find out what the function is, but I have no idea how to get that! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

2. Originally Posted by antz215
I'm sorry, I didn't even really know what to call this. This is the last question on my homework and I have been at it for about 35 mins. I have gotten nowhere on this one!

Q: Interpret the sentence as a statement about a function and its derivative. Indicate clearly what the function is, what the variable means, and appropriate units for each; then sketch a possible graph of the function.

The sentence is: Health care costs continue to rise but at a slower rate than 3 years ago.

I'm pretty sure that I could get all of the question once I find out what the function is, but I have no idea how to get that! Any help would be greatly appreciated!
$H(t)$ = Health care cost at time t.
$dH/dt(a)$ = rate of change of health care costs at time $a$.

You will also need to consider $d^2H/dt^2(a)$ since the sentence mentions that the rate itself is "slower."

3. I think I get it.... I hope :-/ Still a littttle confused.