Question

The population of a species of rabbit triples every year. This can be modeled by f(x) = 4(3)x and f(5) = 972. What does the 4 represent? (1 point) The starting population of the rabbits The population of the rabbits after five years The rate the population increases The number of years that have passed

Answer 1

Answer: The starting population of the rabbits

Explanation:

Given: The population of a species of rabbit triples every year. This can be modeled by f(x) = 4(3)x and f(5) = 972.

We know that the exponential growth function is given by :-

`f(x)=Ab^x`, where A is the initial amount and b is the multiplicative rate of change in time x.

As compared to the given exponential function, we have

A=4

Therefore, 4 represents the starting population of the rabbits

Answer 2

Exponential functions are of the form:

y=ab^x, y=final amount, a=initial amount, b=rate, t=time

So the value a, 4 in this case, is the starting population of the rabbits.