The function  $f(x)=\frac{1}{2}x+1$ represents the number of nursing students (in thousands) enrolled in a certain medical school, where x represents the number of years since year 2000. Find  $f(0),$ $f(3),$ and  $f(5).$ Interpret what  $f(0),$ $f(3),$ and  $f(5).$ represent. Then graph the function.

To find  $f(0),$ substitute 0 for x in the function  $f(x).$ Thus,  $f(0)=\frac{1}{2}(0)+1=1.$ This means that in 2000, the number of nursing students enrolled was 1000.

To find  $f(3),$ substitute 3 for x in the function  $f(x).$ Thus,  $f(3)=\frac{1}{2}(3)+1=\mathrm{2.5.}$ This means that in 2003 (that is, 3 years after 2000), the number of nursing students enrolled was 2500.

To find  $f(5),$ substitute 5 for x in the function  $f(x).$ Thus,  $f(5)=\frac{1}{2}(5)+1=\mathrm{3.5.}$ This means that in 2005 (that is, 5 years after 2000), the number of nursing students enrolled was 3500.

The graph of the function is shown below.