Intermediate Algebra: Connecting Concepts through Application

Published by Brooks Cole
ISBN 10: 0-53449-636-9
ISBN 13: 978-0-53449-636-4

Chapter 5 - Exponential Functions - 5.5 Exponential Growth and Decay Rates and Compounding Interest - 5.5 Exercises - Page 470: 18

Answer

$P(t)=520(0.938)^{t}$

Work Step by Step

We define our variables as $P(t)=\text{Population of animals}$ $t=\text{Time in years}$ Since the shrinking started with $520$ animals, in our model, $a=520$. The population is shrinking. So, the growth rate will be represented by a negative number. The growth or decay rate $r$ is $-6.2\%=-0.062$ We can find the base using the formula $b=1+r$ $b=1+(-0.062)=0.938$ Exponential model is of the form $P(t)=a\cdot b^{t}$ Therefore, our model is $P(t)=520(0.938)^{t}$
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